The Fountains of Silence(83)

They sit on the floor in front of the sofa, facing each other.

Daniel trails his fingers along Ana’s hand. “That very first day, on the sidewalk.”

“The sleeping tourist. We both saw the photo,” says Ana.

“Exactly! Then you took me on the Metro. You were standing so close. I was sweating,” laughs Daniel.

“Your Arrid wasn’t working?”

“Not in the slightest. I kept thinking, holy cow, who is this girl? And then at the dance.”

“What about the dance?” she asks.

“What do you mean? You kissed me.”

“Are you sure?” says Ana. “Maybe you’re mistaken. What did it feel like?”

Daniel leans in toward her neck and ear. “It felt like this.”

Knocking sounds at the door. Ana’s body pops with fear. Daniel pulls her into him and puts a finger to his lips.

“I know you’re in there,” calls a voice from behind the door. “I hear the music. Open up.” The doorknob rattles.

Ana jumps up in a panic and runs to the bathroom.

Daniel heads to the door. “Go away. I’m sleeping.”

“Nice try. Want me to wake your parents?”

He opens the door a crack.

Ben leans against the doorframe, shaking his head. “Did you really think you’d get away with it?” Ben pushes past him and enters the room. “It’s one thing if you want to be stupid, Matheson, but you’re on dangerous ground with—” Ben jerks to a halt as if he’s hit a wall. His eyes read the romantic table, the purse on the sofa, and the last of the trembling candle. A grin appears.

“Bad timing?”

“Really bad timing,” whispers Daniel. “Why are you here?”

“Because you made off with the press pass!”

“Come back tomorrow. C’mon, Ben, please.”

Ben nods, chuckling. “It’s Ana. The girl from downstairs. Am I right?”

Daniel pushes him toward the door. Ben grabs a piece of bread from the table on the way. “Your life, Matheson. What I’d give to be you right now.” They arrive at the door and Ben puts a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “You realize it, right? Soak it all in, cowboy. You’re going to return to this summer for the rest of your life.”

“Let me return to this night right now.”

Ben exits and turns in the hallway. “By the way, great job today. Your photo—”

Daniel closes the door. He locks it.

Did Ben’s interruption ruin the moment? He doesn’t want her to leave. They still have two hours. “Ana, he’s gone.”

She emerges from the bathroom.

“It was just Ben.” He walks toward her. “Sorry about that, where were we?”

Ana leans back against the wall. “I think we were here.” She pulls Daniel in and kisses him. Her hand reaches for the light switch.



They stand at the door, fighting the pull of the evening and the push of the coming day.

“It’s six thirty. They’ll expect me downstairs soon,” says Ana.

Daniel says nothing. Just nods, staring at her.

“Are you tired?” she asks.

“Not a bit.”

“Me neither.”

“So don’t go.”

“I have to,” she laughs. “Maybe I can pick up your breakfast dishes.” She gives him a kiss and tries to pull away toward the door.

“Wait, I have something for you.” Daniel goes to the closet and returns with a book. “I visited the Sorolla Museum like you suggested.”

“Isn’t it wonderful?”

“It is. I got you this.” He hands the book to Ana. “It has pictures of all the paintings, including the ones you love of the seaside. Now you can visit the museum anytime you want.”

Ana opens the cover. She sighs, touching a finger to his lips.

For Tom Collins From Robert Capa—x DM 1957



* * *





After much swaying and many long goodbyes, Ana finally leaves, stealing down a staircase to another floor. Daniel leans against the door and pulls a breath, holding close to their unbelievable night together. He feels Ana all around him. And it feels incredible.

He sits on the balcony, watching night retreat to light. The plan falls swiftly into place. He’ll attend university in Madrid. He’ll work with Miguel. He’ll enter the photo competition as planned. If he wins, maybe Ben can get him a job in the Madrid Bureau of the Tribune. Or perhaps Mr. Van Dorn can get him a press job at the embassy.

The sun is up. He returns to his room and passes the photos on the wall. He needs ten for the contest. Ana and Miguel will help him choose. He’ll think about it later once he learns what Ben needed the photos for.



* * *





He’s sleeping so soundly he barely hears the noise. How long have they been knocking? Is it Ben? Hoping that it’s Ana, he pulls on his jeans and walks shirtless toward the knocking. He yanks open the door with a smile.

His parents, smartly dressed and full of energy, stand smiling in the hall.

“Why, Daniel, did you forget? We agreed to have breakfast.”

Daniel runs a hand through his already tousled hair. “Sorry, I’m pretty tired.”