My lovely taxi driver
- Mrs. Sonia, good morning! Sorry I'm late, I got stuck in traffic. Nilo Peçanha was very jammed this morning. It's these damn construction projects that never end. I was already getting nervous, because I know how much my favorite passenger values punctuality!
- It's not a big deal, Silva. Everyone is a little late from time to time. And today I don't have a patient on the first hour. I was going to the bank to talk to the manager, to change some investments. But look, I've brought you a little present from my business trip to Buenos Aires. A little souvenir, a silly thing. I missed your kindness so much, you have no idea. I took a lot of taxis in that city, but I suffered from the rude behavior of the Buenos Aires drivers. I'm so used to you, always so polite and helpful! As you get older, you start to appreciate these things. Next time... well, I've got some ideas. I'll let you know.
- What a beautiful wallet, Mrs. Sonia, thank you very much. I'll always carry it in my breast pocket so it doesn't get deformed. I'm not used to having things this fancy. Even my parents didn't treat me so well. I had a lonely childhood, my parents didn't care much about me.
- Speaking of parents, how's that old couple who keep calling you on your cell phone while you're driving? The last time I got into your taxi, Mrs. Sônia kept telling you about the problems with the doorbell and how much she had enjoyed the trip you, she and her husband had taken together to Gramado.
- Dona Clara and Artur? Oh, they're very nice people. They're both 85 and very rich, they live in a penthouse and, as they don't have children, they call me whenever they need anything. Last night they sent an Uber to pick me up at home. I went to fix the doorbell, then we went out for dinner. Last week I sold his car on OLX. I wanted to buy the car from them, but they wouldn't let me: "Imagine putting an old car on the market! " she kept repeating. In exchange, they gave me 5,000 reais for having brokered the sale.
- That's nice, Silva. You treat them like your own son. They must love you! But tell me something: doesn't your mother envy them? I would if I were her.
- No, she doesn't care. She's busy with her grandchildren. All she thinks about is them... Besides, before this couple, I looked after another lady for 20 years. She died two years ago at the age of 98. I did the supermarket and pharmacy shopping, the bank payments, took money for her, took her to the doctor. I owe her the house I live in today. I'd had my eye on that house for a while and knew what it would cost. One day I told her that I would love to buy the house next door, but that I didn't have the money. A month later, she took me aside and handed me the deed to the house. It was her house and I didn't even know it!
- I know. That means she trusted you a lot.
- Oh, yes, she did. She even asked me to make the payments at the bank, to take the documents back and forth to her accountant and lawyer. It's very wicked to deceive someone so helpless, don't you think? I'm an honest, healthy guy, I don't gamble or drink. Nor am I a womanizer.
- Oh, you can't fool me, Silva. You're very good looking. With your curly hair and sweet eyes, you must be a hit with the ladies.
- Not at all, Mrs. Sonia! I'm a homebody. I make my own food and look after the house. In fact, if I have a serious fault, it's this: I'm a bad cook. I only eat noodles; I can't even smell them anymore.
- What's your first name again?
- Gabriel, Mrs. Sonia.
- Call me Sonia. Gabriel, I've changed my mind. Let's go back to my place and I'll prepare lunch for you, complete with a little French wine. Then, who knows, we could have dessert.
Voltar