The Clock of Memories

Episode 5: "The Fragility of the Present"

Victor walked through the familiar streets, but the feeling that something had changed was palpable. The memories that once consumed him now presented themselves as distant echoes, yet the pain still accompanied him like an unwanted shadow. Clara was by his side, and her presence became a beacon amid the storm still raging within him.

“Where are we going?” Victor asked, observing the familiar faces of the people around. Life continued, but he felt like he was in limbo, floating between acceptance and denial.

“We’re going to the café where we used to meet. I thought we could talk about all of this more calmly,” Clara suggested, looking at him with a soft, supportive expression.

Victor nodded, appreciating the gesture. He needed time to process the new perspective the guardian had offered him, but the journey wouldn’t be easy. The café was just a few blocks away, and as they walked, he tried to focus on the sounds and smells around him.

The aroma of fresh coffee and the clinking of cups mingled with laughter and animated conversations. The vibrant life around him felt strangely distant. Upon entering, Victor saw a group of young people sitting at a table, laughing and chatting, and he couldn’t help but feel they were in a world apart, where pain didn’t exist.

They sat at a table near the window, and Clara ordered coffee for both of them. “I hope you don’t feel pressured to talk about everything right now. We can just enjoy the moment,” she said, watching his face closely.

“Actually, I think I need to talk,” Victor replied, taking the cup she handed him. The warmth of the coffee warmed his hands, but it couldn’t thaw the coldness spreading in his heart. “I realize the struggle I’m facing isn’t just about Gabriel. It’s about me, about what I’ve lost and what I still have.”

Clara smiled, a knowing smile. “Exactly. And what do you still have? What do you truly value now?”

Victor reflected on her question. He had been so focused on trying to save Gabriel that he hadn’t stopped to consider what was still important in his life. “I have you, Clara. And, in a way, I still have my family, even if it’s fractured. I still have the chance to build something new, but…”

“But?” Clara encouraged him to continue.

“But I feel like I’m fighting against an invisible monster. Every time I try to move forward, I’m pulled back to the past. The memories consume me,” he confessed, his voice trembling.

Clara leaned forward, her eyes filled with compassion. “I understand. And the truth is, you can’t let those memories define who you are. They are a part of you, but they are not you.”

Victor looked out the window, watching life continue outside. “How can I find purpose if I’m chained to the past? The pain feels so real, so present.”

“Because pain is a part of life. You can’t ignore it or try to replace it. You need to integrate it, understand what it means and how it can shape you,” Clara said, her voice serene.

Hearing this, an idea began to bloom in Victor’s mind. He had been so focused on avoiding pain that he hadn’t thought about how he could use it to shape his future. He needed to transform loss into learning, guilt into motivation.

“I want to do something in honor of Gabriel. I want to create a project that helps people deal with loss and pain, something that encourages them to face their memories instead of running away from them,” he said, the passion growing inside him.

Clara beamed, her expression illuminated by newfound hope. “That’s wonderful, Victor! It’s a powerful way to honor Gabriel’s memory while helping others at the same time. But what exactly do you have in mind?”

Victor took a deep breath, envisioning what he could do. “Maybe a support group, something that offers a safe space for people to share their experiences, where they can learn to cope with their losses. We can include creative activities, like art and writing, so people can express what they feel.”

“I would love to help with that! We both know how therapeutic creativity can be. We can invite professionals to share their experiences and help people connect,” Clara suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

As the idea solidified in his mind, Victor began to feel a new energy, a light in the darkness enveloping him. “I need to do this. I want to start working on it immediately. The pain won’t go away, but maybe I can use it to do something good.”

Clara nodded, and they continued discussing plans and ideas, the café around them transforming into a scene of renewal and hope. The weight that had once pressed on his chest felt a little lighter now, and Victor felt more connected to Clara than ever.

After a while, while they were engrossed in their plans, the joyful atmosphere of the café was interrupted by a strange sensation. Victor looked out the window and noticed a familiar figure in the distance. It was the guardian of the clock, standing under the shade of a tree, watching him.

“Clara, do you see that man outside?” he asked, pointing discreetly.

Clara looked in the direction he indicated but didn’t seem to recognize the figure. “No, who is he?”

Victor hesitated. “It’s the guardian of the clock. He’s been in my life since everything began. I need to go to him.”

Before Clara could protest, Victor stood up and walked out of the café. As he approached the guardian, he felt a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The guardian looked directly into his eyes, and Victor realized he had become a constant figure in his life, a symbol of the choices he was making.

“You’ve decided to confront your memories, then,” the guardian said, his voice deep and wise. “And I see you’ve found a new purpose.”

“Yes, I want to help people deal with pain, just as I’m trying to do,” Victor replied, feeling more confident. “But I also want to understand better what this means for me.”

The guardian nodded, his expression unwavering. “Remember, pain is not your enemy. It is a part of your growth. You must accept it so you can truly understand what it means to move forward.”

Victor pondered this but also felt a slight chill run down his spine. “But what about Gabriel? And the choices I made? I’m worried that by moving on, I might forget everything we had.”

“You won’t forget. The love you feel for Gabriel is eternal. He will always be a part of you, but you cannot live only in the past. Honor him by living fully in the present and helping others to do the same,” the guardian replied.

Those words resonated in his mind. He was beginning to understand that the true challenge wasn’t to forget, but to integrate the memories into his life. Every choice, every pain, every moment of joy were parts of a complex mosaic that formed who he was.

“So what do you suggest I do now?” Victor asked.

“Continue to develop your project. Build your community. But remember, in every journey, there are challenges. You will need to face pain and loss, not just for yourself, but for others who will need your strength,” the guardian said.

“And if I fail? What if people don’t respond to what I’m trying to do?” Victor wondered, anxiety starting to creep back in.

“Failing is part of the process. Every mistake brings lessons, and it is through them that you will find the true meaning of your mission. Do not fear failure; embrace it as an opportunity for growth,” the guardian advised, his gaze deep and penetrating.

Victor took a deep breath, feeling a newfound determination. He could not fear what was to come; instead, he needed to be brave enough to face the pain and challenges ahead. “You’re right. I can’t let fear control me. I will do this.”

The guardian smiled, a glimmer of approval on his face. “Then move forward. Remember, you have a community by your side, and you will never be alone on this journey.”

Victor thanked the guardian, feeling more empowered than ever. He returned to the café, where Clara was waiting for him, her face concerned but relieved to see him.

“What happened? You looked serious,” she asked.

“I was just talking to the guardian. He gave me some valuable insights and reminded me of what really matters,” Victor said, sitting down at the table again. “And it made me realize we’re just getting started.”

“Getting started?” Clara smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Yes, I want you to help me create this project. Let’s work together to make a difference. Let’s create something that helps people deal with pain and loss, just like we are,” he replied.

Clara seemed radiant at the idea, and together they began to outline the first steps. Enthusiasm grew between them, and the café was once again filled with laughter and plans for the future.

But as Victor gazed out the window, a shadow moved deep within his mind, a seed of doubt that had yet to be fully addressed. The past still called to him, and he needed to confront the shadows before they became too large to ignore.

The episode ended with Victor and Clara immersed in their plans, but with a growing sense that the memories of the past still had a role to play in their future. He knew the true battle was yet to come.