love likes the distracted ones

by Andreza Silva (Brazil)

I didn't expect to find Canada

Maybe it's in my nature walk hand in hand with freedom, to be of the world and not feel like I belong anywhere. Not to anyone. I chose to be from the world because I don't care if he owns me. As long as it's a sum relationship, I want him to feel mine just like I do. That's why I like traveling so much, it's one of the most precious things in life because it teaches you to like the unknown. About four years ago I decided to live for a while in Vancouver, Canada, to learn English. I left Brazil, a warm and tropical country, to a cold place and with a totally different culture from mine. When you spend time alone outside your country, you become more vulnerable and open to the surprises of life. I was so happy and given to the experience that the last thing I wanted was love. I was just there looking for learning, friends and fun, but life likes to surprise us. The moment I was happiest and when I least expected it, love appeared to me. I know almost nothing about love, but I remember a familiar look the carried a sense of reencounter. Love knew me with no voice, sick and with a virus, but that didn't push him away. On the contrary, he predisposed to meet me at the most unlikely time, yet the right time. And I was curious. Love had blue eyes and I couldn't pronounce his name. It was french. And I only knew things in English. He was smart, seduced my mind first. Love looked at me with eyes of admiration. He told me that I was a woman of opinion. I laughed at Love’s accent and he laughed at my dreamy way. I was very fond of Love’s choice in words, he talked about France in his distinct way. Every conversation was different. And he treated me with warmth. Love was critical and interesting. One of the most handsome men I have ever met - inside and out. One day, he covered me with kisses because I had given my coat to a homeless woman. On the other he was surprised when I said I wasn't going to share the chips with him. Love proudly introduced me to his friends and eagerly held my hand when together. But Love wasn't perfect, no. Neither was I. And he wasn't even as I imagined. He didn't even speak my own language. He was proud. He smoked. He was very handsome. He had flaws, but he loved to dance, found me funny, and liked my way. It was soft as it had to be, but I had some where to be. He had to go the other way. The airport was our last stop. Love was briefly lived . Or simply enough. It's over, but it will always have a beautiful place in my memory. Love met new lovers. Me too. I learned that I need to try new loves to live love in its own infinite possibilities. And I also learned that for love to happen, by just not really expecting anything ... and be distracted. Love likes the distracted ones.