Sunset Girl (2)
Now, I spend my sunsets alone on the beach, writing my book on the meaning of life, as Therese had taught me.
Go to Part 1 if you haven't read it = https://tribune.net.ph/2023/12/sunset-girl-1/
THERESE —Another thing, Terence. How many people did you cheat to get to the top?
TERENCE — Are you accusing me of…
THERESE — Just asking. Answer me.
TERENCE — A few.
THERESE — Be honest, please, I beg you.
TERENCE — Okay, okay, more than a few.
THERESE — My gut feel is that you cheated a lot of people.
TERENCE — Yes, Therese, a lot.
THERESE — Make a complete detailed inventory — names, when, how much more or less, as far as you can remember.
TERENCE — I can't remember.
THERESE — You mean you won't remember.
TERENCE — Okay, I will do it.
THERESE — That's your ticket to heaven, you know. Not a stone left unturned. You have to return every penny. Your accountants can do everything. If your victims are dead or you cannot find them, give it to the poor. I have to go. It's late, and I feel woozy from the tequila you had me drink.
TERENCE — Can I take you home?
THERESE — No. I live five blocks away. (She pours more tequila) I enjoyed it terribly. I have terminal cancer of the pancreas, stage two, incurable. You also have been my sunset guy.
TERENCE — All the while you were talking of death, you were talking more about yourself. Tequila will kill you, you know.