English Version: Sands & Sparrow

56

"My other properties will be given to the charities I have chosen; I have already signed the papers, Attorney Del Mundo. Everything I need is already prepared," Margo stated over the phone.

"Isn't it too early, Miss Sinclair? Are you leaving the country for good?" The lawyer couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "The papers you're going to sign are your last will."

"We will never know what will happen, Attorney... we have to be prepared. I want it to be ready as soon as possible," Margo replied firmly.

"I'll do it as you wish, Miss Sinclair."

"Goodbye... I'll call you again, Attorney Del Mundo."

Margo ended the call and placed the phone beside her. She looked outside the window and watched the streets as the car passed by. The chauffeur carefully drove the limousine across the crowded sidewalk cracks and into the graffiti-covered walls. A few miles further, the car changed direction. From the bustling city, it came to winding roads surrounded by trees, overlooking the lake, with rows of benches near the view.

"Pull over, near the park." Margo never took her eyes off the scenic view by the lake. The driver searched for a parking space; he decided to stop near one of the benches.

"Miss Sinclair, I'll wait for you here. Please call me if you need anything." The chauffeur politely remarked as he opened the door. Margo nodded in response and quietly got out of the car.

"The summer breeze caressed her cashmere jacket as she gazed at the lake. A sense of serenity enveloped her as she watched the sunset mirror in the water. Sun rays delicately graced the surface, enhancing the beauty of the view. Margo closed her eyes for a moment. The breeze swept her long bangs from her eyes and brought color to her cheeks. With her eyes closed, she could smell the scent of moist summer air, fragranced with reeds that encircled the lake.

The view from the park was wondrous to behold. The place was surrounded by the lushness of Bermuda grass, lined with trees on the cobbled pavement. Various kinds of flowers such as gumamela, jasmine, and bougainvillea adorned the area, alongside topiaries, or molded plants, and small food shops dotted the place. Children rode their bicycles and played with kites. Margo occupied the bench overlooking the peaceful lake, unaware of the older man sitting on the other side. Leaning back on the seat, she let the warm breeze tousle her hair while admiring the view.

"Is it possible? Can he love Tally?" The older man muttered while reading a book.

Margo glanced at him, checking if he was talking to anyone or whether he was actually addressing her.

He was still engrossed in the book when he felt someone staring at him. Turning, he smiled at her. He had a gentle face, smiling like Robin Williams; his gray hair and joyful eyes were visible behind his thick glasses.

"I-I'm sorry. I got carried away with the story. I didn't mean to bother you. Would you like me to leave?" He apologized earnestly, then grabbed his cane, about to leave, but Margo interrupted. "Please stay. I don't mind at all."

The old man's courtesy and warm smile made an impression on her.

"What are you reading?" Margo asked him.

"The Lake, by Ray Bradbury. I've read it many times, every time I come to watch the lake."

Margo became curious, "I'm not familiar with him. I usually prefer to read classic novels."

"Here," he said, placing the book on the bench and gently pushing it towards her. A flock of pigeons gathered at his feet, their iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight as they cooed softly. With a gentle hand, he tore a piece of bread from a loaf tucked under his arm and scattered it on the ground.