“It’s a curious thing”, Ann said, “he would have called already”. We all nodded in agreement. Although we were concerned, at that moment we had no idea that we would never see him again. Our world was about to change. A storm was on the horizon, yet we would be blissfully ignorant for some time to come. We decided to go ahead and record our short film for the first time, yet Vigo’s presence was missing, both physically and mentally. The space he usually filled, his energy in doing so, all left a void, and we as witnesses of his absence were left confused by its impact.
In the midst of this, Ann was amazing, she performed better knowing that he was missing, later sharing with Gina and I that she was channeling what she usually absorbed from Vigo. She said that she felt the need to make up his absence, and by recalling him Ann was able to be more of herself with a little extra borrowed from Vigo.
We continued for the next two weeks, not hearing anything about his whereabouts.
Although unusual, this was not the first time he’d disappeared on us. One time in the past he’d chosen to go to a retreat for a week and we’d only found out two weeks later when he had broken his silent retreat.
The other time, he’d been robbed and kidnapped in an unknown location abroad.
We all received the call three weeks later. Gina was the first to find out. Then Ann. I was last. We called each other and decided to meet. Gina had also received a letter from Vigo to share with us. We read it while having coffee at his favorite coffee shop, on a rainy fall day.
“Dear friends. I apologize this is the way you had to find out. I was diagnosed with something two months ago, something that set an irreversible course for my life. It was unexpected, and it felt fateful, as I knew it would violently and untimely take me away from all the things I loved in this world, including the three of you. I now am in a position to appreciate what you all have given me and how you have enriched my life. Every moment is underscored for me, as that is all I have now.
I had planned to be there for the filming, but the night prior I got a lot worse, and if I had told you, you would have skipped filming to be with me. It is better this way. As I go, I leave you with all the laughter, and all the walks, and all the tears, and calls, and coffees, and the memory of meals we shared. Let the life we lived together be what you remember. And if you miss me, call one another and go do something we did together. I’ll be yours forever!
Your friend,
Vigo.”
And so, on that cold and wet afternoon we sipped coffee and spoke of him, spoke of us, shared the void, and left with a heavy but grateful heart of having known a friend so alive.
Lovely - enjoyed it very much, thanks for sharing it.
Wonderfully written Ergys 🙏 although it was clear that Vigo had taken his own life, you built up the tension with your words and the hope remained that I was wrong, but no.
Even though I think this story is wonderful, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
It's hard enough when you stay without them 😔, I don't even like to imagine how hard it is when you couldn't say goodbye, consciously hug, hold, kiss or look at them one last time.
Thank you, you reminded me how lucky I am 🙏