I’m Sorry for Missing Your Birthday – I Had an Accident!

Sorry I missed your birthday; I was in an accident.
Sorry, Paul, for not turning up at your birthday the other day. I ran over a child on the road,Vincent said, swallowing a gulp of pastis in one breath.I was on a construction site, got into my car, and as soon as I was on the road a kid threw himself onto my hood.
Can you believe it? Luckily I wasnt going fast. I jumped out, saw the boy alive, asked if he was okay and he said he was fine. A little redhaired kid, not older than six.
Where are your parents? I asked.
Moms at home, he replied, shes making dinner.
Then lets go, I suggested, well talk to your mother and find a solution.
He led me to his block, pointed out his apartment door and lingered behind me. I rang; a woman opened. She was stunning, a rare charm, but her eyes were dim.
Excuse me, I began, something happened. Please dont worry, I hit your son with my car. Hes fine, here he is, I brought the child forward. Do you want to call the police?
No police needed, she said softly. This is already the fifth time hes done this.
How so?
Marc, go to your room, she ordered her son firmly. Come into the kitchen, please. Tea? Or maybe coffee?
Her tea was, in fact, delicious, brewed with herbs.
Forgive us, said Isabelle, that was her name. Marc heard a few days ago that I told a friend how hard it is to live without a husband, so he decided to find us a dad that way. Youre at least the fifth man hes tried this on. He almost gave two of them a heart attack. I tell him Im the only one that matters to me, but hes stubborn, like his grandfather. That man also clings to an idea and never lets go. Is the car badly damaged? I could reimburse the repairs. No? As you wish.
And I stood there, watching her, and realized I was in love. You wont believe it, Paul, but for the first time I see the woman of my lifetired, in a dressing gown, natural. I feel that if I lose her, I might as well jump off the roof.
I know this sounds absurd, but perhaps youd let me invite you and Marc to the cinema as compensation?
Thats unnecessary, she replied. You know Marc could imagine things again.
Do I not please you? I asked.
Its not that. Its just in other circumstances this makes me feel like Im deliberately sending my son under cars to find a husband. Its shameful.
Yes, and it makes me look like a profiteer of the situation, I joked. And here we are, heading for hell together. But if thats the case, maybe we could go to the same fire?
I cant remember exactly what I said after, but the next day I went to fetch them and we saw *Transformers* at the cinema. Then dinner. Then
In short, Paul, thats why Im here. Were getting married in June. We need a photographer. Will you handle it? Look how photogenic they are.
Vincent pulled out his phone and showed a picture of a laughing redhead sitting next to a little boy.
Now Im sure Cupid has no wings. He has freckles and two missing baby teeth. His name is Marc. As for the surname well, Vincent will give him his soon. I have no doubt about that.