Original subtitles

Frederik, it's raining.

Nothing more lovely than the patter of rain on the roof.

-Grandma? -I'm coming.

I'm coming.

Well?

You look lovely, Mom.

Really, you look wonderful.

There are a lot of people.

Yes. Ma'am.

Frederik wasn't run-of-the-mill. He wasn't your average Joe.

He was a unique and exceptional person.

Not many people know, for example, that Frederik had a talent for drawing.

And that in his youth he obtained a PhD at the University of Leuven.

But he wanted more than a life as an academic. A lot more.

And we all know what he achieved.

I learned a lot from Frederik.

How to run a company…

how to conduct business, how to deal with employees.

But what I'll remember most are undoubtedly our monthly dinners.

He always ordered steak tartare.

And yet, every time we went out to dinner, he'd ask for the menu…

study the dishes, and pretend he had to think long and hard

before saying: "I'll have the steak tartare, ma'am."

I once asked him why he insisted on seeing the menu

if he already knew what he wanted. And he answered:

"Werner, you should always do everything with the wonderment of the first time."

And as his successor, I will retain that philosophy.

Dear Emma, over the years you've had to bear his absence a lot.

All those congresses, all those seminars, all those trips.

But you know like no other, dear Emma, how important you were in his life.

And what you meant to him.

-What is that for? -So you'll have something to eat tomorrow.

-Go to bed, Mom, you're tired. -We're all tired.

-Are you sure you don't want me to stay? -Go on home, dear.

-See you tomorrow, Mom. -Bye, dear.

Are you okay, Mom?

Sleep well.

Okay, ready?

I'm not in the mood.

It will come.

Shall we go back to your room?

-Give it another try. You can do it. -I said, I'm not in the mood.

Soon I'll be a vegetable.

I won't even recognize your tattered face anymore.

-Karel, I understand-- -You don't understand anything.

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

WANT TO SEE YOU

WHY?

WHERE?

THE SAME PLACE AS 50 YEARS AGO

53 YEARS, 3 MONTHS, AND 6 DAYS

And now, yes.

-Yes. Watch out. -Damnit.

I'll never learn.

-That parking spot is too small. -I told you to make a sharper turn.

-I did it like my instructor told me. -Then get him to practice with you.

Grandma, don't be like that.

I'll just wear a miniskirt, that's more efficient.

Then they might fail you just to see your legs again.

Come on, let's take a break. We'll continue later. Grab your keys.

Yes, he's alright, especially in company. But sometimes when we're alone…

-Here you go. -Thank you.

Well…

Sometimes it's like we have nothing to say to each other.

Strange, isn't it?

Or like he's not interested in the things I'm interested in.

Is that steak tartare?

Do you like him a lot?

-On a scale from one to ten? -For example.

-A six plus. -That's barely a pass.

A seven, then. I don't know.

-Have you ever brought it up? -Not really.

I'm going to grow fat from all these love troubles.

There was a man at the funeral.

Maybe you saw him as well. He left a dart on the coffin.

-Was he a friend of Grandpa's? -Something like that.

It had been more than 50 years since I last saw him.

Nice of him to come to the funeral.

-He wants to see me. -Why?

He didn't say. He sent a message on Facebook.

Facebook? I knew you were on it, but you never respond to my posts.

We used to…

know each other well.

I don't know what to do.

Maybe it'll do you good to talk about Grandpa.

Besides, I'd definitely like to see my current friends 100 years from now.

You know what I mean. It'll be exciting to see what's become of everybody.

He's here already.

-What the fuck. -Is that Björn?

He looks more like a ruttish rhino.

-Go on, sweetheart. -Bye.

-Here, you finish it. -Yes.

STRANGE SOULS BY GERARD VERFAILLIE

OPAL COAST, AUGUST 1966

MOST HEARTFELT GREETINGS FROM AFAR -GERARD

Right on time.

You wouldn't have wanted to miss Harry's worms, right?

No.

WHERE WERE YOU?

TRY AGAIN TOMORROW?

My condolences.

It's starting to rain.

-Shall we look for cover? -Yes.

Come, let's get under the canopy.

-What's so funny? -I don't know. I'm laughing at us.

Do we look that silly?

Nothing more lovely than the patter of rain on the roof.

-Kebab. Have you ever had it? -No.

At least we'll be dry in there.

I read it in the paper.

You should be ashamed of yourself, with your dart.

It was my way of saying goodbye. We always played darts.

I know that.

I threw it away as soon as I came home.

And then that message on Facebook.

Well…

-It may have been a bit impolite, I admit. -Four words.

"Want to see you." You didn't even sign it.

-I thought-- -That's not impolite, that's--

-Inept, perhaps? -Deranged, that's a better word.

I started over at least ten times.

A long letter, a short letter? "Madam," "Dear madam"?

"Dearest Emma"?

-What do you say after so many years? -Not much, apparently.

I'd imagined this encounter very differently.

Things don't always happen the way you imagine them.

At your age you ought to know that.

He was my best friend.

I shouldn't have come.

-Did I say something wrong? -This was a mistake.

Sorry, Gerard.

It's better if we don't see each other again.

Mom?

-What happened to you? -I went into town.

In this weather?

-Alone? -Of course.

-I'm going crazy here. -Why didn't you ask me to come?

-Isn't it more fun with someone else? -Yes.

Here.

-I don't have my glasses on. -They're large letters, Mom.

-"Dance Club Parasol." -You always enjoyed that.

-With Dad. -Your father and I never danced.

-You'll get to know new people. -I know plenty of people.

Besides, I don't have time. I have to practice with Evelien.

Mom, you know why she does that, don't you?

-So you leave the house every so often. -It's not my thing.

Okay, then stay inside and don't talk to anyone.

And if you want to go into town, don't call anyone. Just do everything alone.

Now please sit down.

I go into the garage, and I see him sitting on the ground next to his bike.

I make myself a cheese sandwich and remember he prefers ham.

I open the fridge and see the hot sauce he always put in his soup.

Whatever I do or don't do, I can't stop thinking about him.

Like I don't know who I am without him.

What did you expect, Mom? It takes time.

Yes.

Sometimes I wonder if it's all still worth it.

What are you saying?

Come on, eat something.

Werner called. About those shares.

Isn't it better to get rid of them? What can you do with them?

It was his life's work.

That company never interested you.

Tell that Werner of yours to prepare the paperwork and contact me.

He's not "my" Werner.

What are you doing here?

-You gave me a fright. -I know it's not customary, but…

-May I come in for a bit? -Do you know what time it is?

-I was in bed already. -Just to talk.

It won't take--

Are you okay?

-I should sue you, for trespassing. -I figured I'd take the risk.

And then throw pebbles like a teenager.

-An elderly Romeo. -And will you be my Juliet?

You know how it ended with those two, right?

-Why didn't you just call? -That stings.

-Don't be squeamish. -Well, I am squeamish.

You should have seen yourself.

Suddenly you disappeared behind that wall.

Sorry.

-Is it okay? -Yes, it's okay.

I could use something strong.

Doesn't she look just like her father?

The girl in the photo you were looking at.

-What's her name? -Jacqueline. Jacky.

-And your granddaughter? -Evelien.

Evelien.

Nice flowers.

Do you ever think of the olden days?

It's so long ago.

Do you have kids?

Married twice, a son from each marriage.

Been divorced for seven years now.

Apparently I'm only capable of winning a woman's heart, not of staying with her.

You never met the right one.

I did, once.

But like you just said…

that was long ago.

But I did have a distraction from time to time.

-You call them distractions? -Yes.

One time I thought it was more than that, but then it began to suffocate me.

I started worrying about all sorts of things.

Whether I had enough bread for the next morning.

And meat, and cheese.

That woman was crazy about cheese. Port-Salut, Camembert, Brie.

-Whether I had enough oranges. -Oranges?

The first time she stayed over, I got up early to make fresh orange juice for her.

It turned into a custom, of course.

Whenever she stayed over I made fresh orange juice.

One day I was giving a lecture in another part of the country.

The entire time I was asking myself if I had enough oranges at home.

It got later and later and I wasn't sure I'd be home in time to go to the store.

It was all I could think of: oranges, oranges, oranges.

How did it end?

I parked my car on the side of the road.

-I called her and broke up with her. -Really?

I couldn't take it anymore.

You ended the distraction by phone?

I couldn't utter a sensible word anymore. I was worn out with stress.

All that came out of my mouth was some jabbering about oranges.

-And did you have oranges at home? -Two kilos.

When I came in there were two kilos of oranges on the kitchen counter.

They looked at me and it was as if they were laughing at me and said:

"You loony old sod."

-Brahms? -Yes.

One of his most beautiful compositions.

-Frederik loved this music. -He always did have good taste.

Your brother Karel studied at the conservatory.

-That's right. -How is he?

The way he played the piano…

Magnificent.

Writing is one thing, but music… It's the shortest way to the heart.

-Do you still write? -Hardly.

What a waste of talent.

When you're 18 you think writing is the most important thing in life.

But later on you realize it's not. I've learned to live with it.

With that, I did.

The number of letters I wrote back then… Day and night, pages on end.

Those letters went straight to the heart. So beautiful.

Thank you.

I don't remember ever receiving a letter from you.

-I didn't have the guts. -Come on.

No, really.

You haven't changed a bit, you know.

-Don't you dare. -What?

Don't you dare say I haven't changed.

I still see that same girl in you.

I mean it.

It's never been hard for me to consider you beautiful.

Really.

This was nice.

Maybe we should see each other again.

Bye, Gerard.

So here's the street, and here's a car.

We're coming from here…

and suddenly the examiner says: "Turn around here."

I mean, turning on such a narrow street. I can't even turn on a wide street.

-Grandma. -Sorry, I had a late night.

-You didn't sleep well? -Not really.

-Sorry. -It's okay.

I'm coming to help you tomorrow. With Grandpa's clothes.

I promised, remember?

Is Mom coming too?

I didn't ask her.

I don't know what's ailing her lately. With that Werner guy…

I thought it was over. That she'd finally grown up.

But recently she was in bed with him again.

Or rather, he was in bed with her.

He's married and has two children. Two little girls.

I just can't stand how she always falls for the wrong men.

At least I know who I got it from.

-Things not going well with ruttish Björn? -It's not funny.

Don't be so touchy.

But…

How do you know, Grandma? That it's true love?

Love with a capital L. Eternal love.

The only L you can be certain of is the one on the back of your car.

Being a life-long student?

What about you and Grandpa? You were made for each other, right?

It wasn't always a bed of roses.

-You know what my grandma used to say? -Yes, you've told me a thousand times.

Let me say it again.

"Think carefully, straighten your shoulders

and do what you feel you should do."

THANKS FOR YESTERDAY. IT WAS LOVELY. -GERARD

-What? -A friend from English class.

-Leave me alone. -Come on, Karel.

Leave me alone, I said.

-Take your hands off me. -Don't you want to see your new room?

-Leave me alone, you stupid bitch. -That was uncalled for. That's not nice.

Come, a few more steps. Look.

I said, leave me alone.

-Mr. Verfaillie. -Karel.

-Take your hands off me. -What's this?

-Stupid bitch, with your fat ass. -He can't stay in the open ward.

Last night he got up and crept into bed with Mrs. Claes.

-Calm down, or we'll have to sedate you. -Leave me alone.

-Let's go look at your room. Karel, look. -No, no.

-Everything is ready. -One small step and you're there. Come on.

Hi, Grandma.

Hello, dear.

-Are these from the garden? -Someone gave them to me.

They're pretty.

-Who gave them to you? -Gerard.

-Who? -Gerard.

-I told you about him, didn't I? -No.

-Grandpa's friend, from the funeral? -Yes, that's the one.

So you did go?

No, he just showed up in the middle of the night.

With those flowers.

And you let him in?

He was standing outside, as timid as a schoolboy.

-It was cute, really. -Cute? Grandma, please.

Grandpa only just died. It's inappropriate.

Shall we begin?

And this one?

Throw it out.

It looked so good on him.

Keep it?

-I don't want to live in a museum. -Can I have it?

What's it about?

About young people wondering what to do with their lives

and fearing they'll never find out.

-Is it by that…? -Yes, it's by that…

-What? -I didn't say anything.

-It looks like a good book. -Come on, give it back.

So our Gerard is a writer.

-It's pronounced "Gerard." -Fancy.

-Does it end well for the young people? -Eventually everything always ends well.

"The sun slowly set on the long, empty sand beach.

In the distance the frayed clouds turned lilac and pink…

hesitating between sadness and longing."

Give it back.

"The sea changed from foamy white to a flaming green-yellow…

then to dark-blue and grey, like an opal.

It would soon be evening, and after that, night."

-Can I read it? -Who reads books like that these days?

-I do. -A book from 50 years ago?

I do. I'll give it back after I finish it.

Dear Emma…

How could I ever have sent a four-word message?

Four paltry words.

I shouldn't have sent you four, but 400,000 words.

Hand-written, on the finest paper. Just like back then.

NEXT SATURDAY, 8 O'CLOCK?

Was it fate that I ran into you again after all those years?

I don't know. I only know that it happened.

And that the same has happened to me now as back then, all those years ago.

I didn't know it was still possible, nor do I know where it will take us.

I only know that I want to see you.

Mom?

I'm coming.

Hello, sweetheart.

-You look like you have plans. -What brings you here?

What happened?

I thought I'd keep my mother company for a while, but if I'm not welcome…

Of course you are.

-Do I have to call first these days? -Jacky.

-I thought we could toast to loneliness. -Oh, come here.

-Where are you going? -Dancing.

-I thought you didn't want to. -I've changed my mind.

Mom, I'm so happy to hear that.

You know what, I'll give you a ride.

-Why? -Come on, get your coat and let's go.

Well, have fun.

-You can go home now. -Don't worry, I won't go inside with you.

I'll pick you up at eleven, okay?

-Care to dance? -I can't dance.

Then I'll teach you.

How do you do? I'm Arnold.

Emma.

Your first time here? You don't need to feel embarrassed.

We're like one big family here at Parasol.

Lost someone recently?

That's how we all ended up here. Looking for support.

My horoscope was right.

It said I would meet someone today who was going to change my life.

I have to go.

It has nothing to do with you, nor with your horoscope.

-I'm just not much of a dancer. -You dance very well.

My daughter made me come here. But you've really helped me.

This time I really couldn't help it.

I'm terribly sorry.

Thank you.

Thanks.

A toast to what has been, or to what is still to come.

Of what has been we're sure.

What's that?

Have a look.

-An opal? -They're said to stimulate dreaming.

Not my words, the jeweller's.

-You're moving very fast, I must say. -What choice do you have after 70?

I cannot accept it.

Why not? It's a present.

I don't want it.

Shouldn't you be chasing after young women?

-Why? -Because you're a man.

So what?

Aren't men always looking for women about half their own age?

-What men are you talking about? -All men.

Not about me.

"Half the man's age plus one," Frederik always said.

Did he really?

That's utterly tactless. A complete lack of decency.

Men get better with age. Like a bottle of good wine.

But women wrinkle, like old pieces of fruit.

-What's this? International Women's Day? -Am I wrong?

-Just put it on. -No, I don't want it.

You mean I went through all this trouble for nothing?

Stop it, okay?

-Yes. -Listen, Jacky…

I don't want to hear it, Werner. I'm fed up. More than fed up.

Sweetheart, her mother is ill. I can't tell her now, can I?

-But I promise… -You're always making promises.

But you never live up to them.

First your daughter has her communion, then exams, then your wife has her period.

-Jacky, come on, I-- -No, I have a right to know where I stand.

-Or I'll go crazy. -Shall I come by?

-Shall I come by? -Leave me alone.

I'm out with my mother. I'll call you tomorrow. Maybe.

Sweetie…

I know, the coffee is terrible here.

But you get a plate full of cookies, and if you're lucky, "priests' hats."

-Good for your cholesterol. -You have to die of something.

-Do you want to die, or me? -No, they're for you.

I like them best when they're slightly old and the sugar coating has crystallised.

"Priests' hats" and… What did they use to call them again?

-"Nuns' asses." -"Priests' hats" and "nuns' asses."

-You devil. -Thank you.

-Jacky dropped me off at a dance club. -A dance club?

Yes, she was going to pick me up there.

-So you lied to her about our date. -Don't make it harder than it already is.

-I'm sorry. -What should I do?

Send her a text message.

What should I say? You're the writer.

"Dancing sucked. Twisted my ankle. I'm at the ER. See you tomorrow."

I don't talk like that.

-And it's too long. -No, wait…

"Met an incredibly handsome man. Staying at his place. YOLO, smiley."

Not very credible.

DON'T WORRY, TOOK A TAXI HOME ALREADY. XX

I don't feel like going home.

I'm always so cold there.

It's like all the doors and windows are open.

Thanks for the lovely evening.

No one says we have to go home.

Wouldn't it be highly imprudent of me to go with a total stranger?

There are certain risks involved, I must admit.

-Will it lead to sex? -Excuse me?

Will it lead to sex?

Watch out, sex with an old lover you haven't seen in 50 years…

-There's a name for that. -Really?

I read it in some magazine. It's called "retro sex."

"Retro sex"?

-Are you sure it wasn't something else? -Very sure.

-Making love to an old lover. -Good God, "retro sex."

I know a nice little hotel just around the corner.

Is that an invitation?

Not that I planned this beforehand, and I'll completely understand if…

Good evening.

-We'd like a room for one night. -Of course.

-One night, you say? -We know it's late, but we thought…

I have the Norwegian or the Greek room for you.

-You want to go to Norway, or to Greece? -I love Greece.

Shall I bring your luggage up?

We don't have any.

What do you think?

Why not?

-Have you ever been to Greece? -No, I never got a chance to.

-My first wife didn't like traveling. -And the second?

She didn't like traveling with me.

Are you okay?

-Are you going to strip for me? -Why?

-No one's ever done that for me. -Strip?

-I'll sing the tzatziki for you. -Yes, you sing the tzatziki.

-Or what is it called? -The sirtaki.

Right, tzatziki is that cucumber dip.

-Is it over already? -No, it's only just begun.

But before we continue, I think it's time for the reality check.

I'm not that young anymore, you see.

And the last thing I want is for you to be left feeling disenchanted.

Or for me to leave the battlefield with an injury.

-I'm listening. -Of course I don't know your intentions.

I want steaming hot sex.

I want to be taken really hard.

Just what I was afraid of.

That's a problem, because…

"Really hard," with me, isn't all that hard anymore since I…

-What? -Started taking pills for my diabetes.

I still remember what my doctor said.

He always talks in the first person plural.

"We won't notice much difference, sir, except for our erections.

I'm afraid they won't be what they used to be."

But alright, time for the reality check. Maybe I should start at the bottom.

My ankles. I have lumps on my ankles.

I should have had them surgically removed years ago, but I never dared to.

-I'm afraid of the pain. -I understand.

Then my knees. I have one botched knee. Meniscus.

It doesn't bother me all that much, but if I sit on my knees for too long…

-We can never be cautious enough. -I agree.

Then my prostrate. It complains a bit, but still functions.

And orgasms?

I have them. Sometimes too soon, sometimes too late, but I have them.

Well, I think that's about it.

I can live with that.

And you? Are there things I ought to know about you?

I have a bad character. I don't like to get out of bed.

And since I became a widow, I've had an alcohol problem.

This feels so familiar.

It's like my body still knows you.

Like my skin still remembers you.

The skin has a memory too, someone once told me.

Come.

Come.

That's so sweet. Thanks, Grandma.

You only turn 20 once.

Once I have my driver's licence, I'll take you away for a weekend.

-Deal? -Open it.

-Deal? -Just open it.

-It'll be my treat. -Out of the question.

Grandma.

-Are you going to open it or not? -Exciting.

From Grandpa?

I can't accept this. Look at how beautiful it is.

-Are you sure? -Of course.

Thank you.

I think of him so often.

So do I, sweetheart.

Yesterday you were definitely less sad about your loss than today.

-Where did you go yesterday? -Are you spying on me?

What are you talking about?

-I went into town afterwards. -With whom?

-Oh, you and your endless lies. -Mom.

-It doesn't matter, dear. -It does matter.

I brought her to a dance club last night and for some reason she left

and she won't tell me why.

It's none of your business.

I waited for hours.

Do I have to account for everything I do?

It's my life.

-Mom, you sound like a 16-year-old. -Like you always tell me where you go.

-You're probably ashamed to. -You stay out of it.

I called you ten times, but you didn't answer.

I was worrying myself sick in your living room, goddammit.

How should I have known? I didn't ask you to.

You know what, Mom? Forget it.

-Hello, Emma. -Hello, Werner.

Gosh, I vividly remember the first time I came here.

I was terribly nervous. It was my first major job.

-Are you going cycling? -If I manage to inflate my tyres.

-Is that a hint? -No, this is a hint.

Okay, let me.

What brings you here today? Don't tell me you just came to say hello.

I want to talk to you about those shares.

-I haven't made up my mind yet. -There's an economic crisis, Emma.

The sooner we're clear about it, the better, right?

-And Frederik had a lot of faith in me. -Frederik is gone.

He's been gone for a while now.

Sometimes I feel like he was never here. For me, I mean.

Don't get me wrong, but he was always away.

To some congress or other, to some fancy hotel.

While I raised Jacky and waited for him at home.

How are your wife and children?

Very well, thank you.

-The oldest is eight now, isn't she? -Julie? Yes, she's going to third grade.

She really is a wonderful little girl.

Jacky's told me a lot about her.

You know what, I'll leave the documents here.

-Are you leaving already? -No, but still.

You want to go cycling and I'm here to bother you about finance stuff.

Just have a look, and then we'll talk about it another time.

-Thanks for pumping my tyre. -Now you're ready for anything. Bye.

Strawberry?

It doesn't feel right.

Why not?

Frederik has only just been buried, and look at me now.

You have nothing to be ashamed of.

Don't you have a problem with it?

I wish I could stop time.

Two fingers in the air, like children do. Time-out.

"Breathe more slowly," my mother used to say.

"That slows down time."

If I breathe any slower, I'll fall off my bike.

There was a writer who thought we should be able to live our life twice.

The first time as rough draft, the second time as fair copy.

The second time one wouldn't repeat the mistakes of the first time.

Live my life all over again? God, no.

You're right. What do writers know about real life?

They fill up entire libraries…

while all of life is contained in a handful of text messages.

-"Want to see you." -"Okay, where?"

"I want to touch you."

"I want to fuck you."

-"I want to fuck you again." -Mind your knee.

"I never want to lose you again."

There's one thing I definitely won't do in that second, improved life of yours.

-What's that? -Riding a bike.

-I thought you liked that so much. -I thought you did.

-My butt is really sore. -So is mine.

They say raw steak helps.

Careful.

-Strawberry? -No.

Kiss.

I didn't know what to do with him anymore.

Really. There were days I forgot I even had a boyfriend.

That can't be right.

I want to be so crazy about someone that he's everything to me.

Maybe I just want too much.

I may end up as an old spinster. Like Mom.

You're barely 20.

You've made the right decision. I'm sure of it.

Have you heard from Mom?

Have you seen Gerard again?

Grandma, what is it?

What?

Grandma, stop.

This stays between us, okay?

-I don't know what's happening to me. -Grandma, please.

What about Grandpa? I mean…

He was my first love.

I was madly in love with him.

We were so young back then.

And then I met Grandpa. They were best friends.

You kept seeing him all that time? Even when you were with Grandpa?

No, of course not. Not until now.

You're the first person I've told.

You think it's strange?

Well, strange… Yes, I think it's strange.

I didn't think it was possible myself. So soon.

But Grandpa and I…

We'd said goodbye long ago.

You do have to tell Mom.

You don't think you can keep it a secret, do you?

She has to know.

-Shall we practice driving tomorrow? -I thought you didn't really enjoy that.

You can drop me off at his place.

So what's it like when you two…

When you…

-I mean… -What?

-I don't know. -You mean, do we have sex?

Is that what you want to know? We're old enough, don't you think?

You can drop me off over there.

It's amazing how we know what the other wants.

What? Grandma, please.

-Watch out. -Sorry.

Bye, sweetheart. You're doing fine.

Strange.

You should have seen her face.

What were you like at that age?

Just the idea of your parents having sex was unbearable.

-Never mind your grandparents. -It was a different time.

-Grandparents didn't have sex then? -Mine definitely didn't.

To her I must be an old geezer.

-Are you coming in, old geezer? -No, don't you dare.

-Emma, stop it. -Of course I dare.

-One, two, three, go. -Emma, goddammit.

You know, it was all worth it.

Waiting all those years.

Are you coming in?

Are you sure?

Everything okay?

-Almost. -What's wrong?

You're lying on my arm.

And you?

A bit strange, but I'm okay.

We can also go to the guest room.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

-Where were you? -I couldn't sleep.

You?

Like a log.

It's so peaceful here.

I couldn't live anywhere else. This house and I have become one.

The coffee. Have a seat.

Jacky, this is Gerard. Gerard, this is Jacky.

Pleased to meet you.

Yes.

I've heard a lot about you.

Only good things.

When you're 16, you have to ask your parents if your lover can come in.

Fifty years later you need your children's permission.

Maybe it's better if you go.

I'll see you tomorrow.

-What are you doing here? -Jacky, I…

I don't know what's worse.

That you lied to us and deceived us all or that you wipe away the past so quickly.

-Like he never existed at all. -Who says I did?

Dad has only just died and you're sleeping with another man.

If they'd told me, I wouldn't have believed it.

Evelien was right. I should have told you. Sorry.

-So you told Evelien, but not me. -Dammit, Jacky, don't be that way.

Now I understand why you had to get rid of Dad's clothes.

You needed his closet for someone else.

Or has this affair been going on longer?

No.

-No, you have to believe me. -How can I still believe you?

I'm a woman, not just a widow.

Gerard makes me feel good.

Why do you begrudge me that?

Have I ever criticized you and…?

-He will never choose you. -Are you going to lecture me now?

You make your choices, I make mine. That's all I ask.

If that's your choice, at your age

to get into bed with the first man you meet…

then I wish you all the best with that.

Dad just died, goddammit. And now you're acting like a saint…

and pestering me about love and fidelity. But at least we know who I got it from.

You and Dad, that was all a big lie. Really, it was all one big lie.

Hello, brother.

I've brought someone with me.

Emma.

Hello, Karel.

You look good.

-It's been a while, hasn't it? -You were here just yesterday.

I see you have your piano scores here.

I have a concert on Thursday.

I'll definitely come.

Next Thursday I have a concert.

I enjoy hearing you play. I always did.

If he lets me go out.

Can't you talk to him? He can be so stubborn.

He can be terribly stubborn. I'll talk to him.

You're the best thing that ever happened to him.

I've told him that so many times.

With a garden like this you're never bored.

I long believed it ought to be possible.

Falling madly in love when you're 20, and picking up the thread 50 years later.

I shouldn't have left like that. Sorry.

He kept me away from you for 50 years and now he stands between us again.

When I woke up alone in that chair…

I felt so betrayed.

And suddenly I knew:

She's going to do it again, just like then.

-Do what? -Choose him again.

We were so young back then.

-We were passionately in love, Emma. -You were a dreamer.

And he, what was he?

-He was what I needed at that time. -He always succeeded at everything.

He got the postdoc position I coveted, set up a company…

had a meteoric career, and in the end, he married the girl I loved.

-It's all so long ago. -But it determined my life.

And now I want you to choose.

I won't be able to handle it a second time.

-You need to understand that. -Gerard…

No, Emma.

As long as you're not sure he's gone forever

I can't be in your life.

I've waited long enough.

It's still very early, but I think it has potential.

I want to know everything.

His name is Olivier. He's so… Really, Grandma, you should see him.

We went out to dinner together. I had a great time. He's really funny.

By the way, they served steak tartare. I ordered it. Why not, I thought.

-Not good? -Grandma, it's raw meat.

It's not even cooked. How can anyone eat that?

So, Olivier?

On the way home he kissed me.

I'm so happy for you.

What about your lover?

-He broke up with me. -What?

He broke up with you?

What a loser.

It's my own fault.

I hesitated too much.

-It's like I can't do it anymore. -Can't do what?

Love someone.

Completely. Just like that.

REST IN PEACE, DAD. YOUR LOVING JACKY.

How strange to be back here.

-Not that I came here often, but still… -Yes, we've changed a few things.

-His desk was-- -Everything changes.

Have a seat. Can I get you a drink?

I won't stay long.

-I haven't heard from you anymore. -No, I thought…

You thought: I can't force that stubborn old woman.

It's time we arrange things once and for all.

Emma, I'm really happy that you've decided to trust me.

Before we fall into each other's arms, it has nothing to do with trust.

I want to get rid of them. And Frederik wanted you to have them.

Best of luck with them.

Hello, Jacky.

I've given Werner the documents. It's all been arranged.

I thought you'd like to know.

-I just came from the company. -Mom.

Mom.

You were right the other day.

I shouldn't have…

I broke up with Werner.

-Why aren't you saying anything? -I don't want to argue, honey. I'm tired.

Is something wrong? It's what you wanted, isn't it?

I just want you to be happy.

Won't you come in for a second?

My fitness program is about to start. At my age you have to keep exercising.

You can stop worrying.

Gerard and I have decided to stop seeing each other.

Oh, Mom.

-What is it? -My driving test.

But you practiced so much.

Got you, I passed.

I turned the car around on a narrow street like a pro.

Thank you, Grandma. You helped me so much.

-Did you put on a miniskirt? -Didn't have to, the examiner was a woman.

And you? Any news?

I just need to give it time. It will pass.

Perhaps.

Grandpa died only recently. What do I care about an old flame?

-Grandma… -I'm fine, sweetheart, I'm fine.

I really wish I could help you.

I don't know what to do anymore.

Think carefully, straighten your shoulders…

and do what you feel you should do.

DEAR GERARD, HERE YOU GO, MY FIRST LETTER…

Nice, isn't it?

-Will you tell me where we're going? -You'll see.

It's just like Gerard describes in his book.

In a bit, we have to turn right. Yes.

It's beautiful here.

-How about it? A race? -You and your races…

Come, like the knights of old.

-The first to reach the sea and back. And… -Wait, wait.

The winner gets a kiss from the damsel.

Go.

I have something to tell you.

-I've written Gerard a letter. -What?

I've invited him to a hotel in the area.

But…

If he doesn't show up, I'll go back home with you.

And if he does show up?

-I'll stay here for a few days, I guess. -Grandma, really.

Take a left turn here.

If that old pighead has taught me one thing…

it's that at our age, we don't have much to lose anymore.

Only time.

Crossing my fingers.

Good luck.

-Good day, madam. -Hello.

-Are you looking for someone? -I was supposed to meet someone here, but…

-An older gentleman. -I don't know.

-Would you like to leave a message? -No, thank you.

-Goodbye. -Bye.

-I thought… -You thought I wasn't coming.

-You're not the only one who can run late. -That's true.

-I'm on my way south. -Côte d'Azur?

Or even further.

There's still room in the car. If you want to, you can come along.