Growing old is mandatory but how long does it take for a man to grow up?
Finally, I’ve found all of them I’ve been looking for. Five unique beings, five different life paths while sharing one thing in common: in deliberately missing something in life–marriage–they’ve left a deeper print on others’ life as well as on their own hearts, for better or for worse.
“I paid women to hear me say I’m a loser, that I’m not good enough and failed to find the right woman.”
“No arguments.” That’s how they have managed their distance relationship for over forty years. “I was 46. I danced with her that night, and we’ve been dancing ever since.”
“Just look around. If you know the marriage is gonna end what’s the point of getting married?”
“I’ve found my love of life but she couldn’t return.”
“No matter how old you grow, deep inside you’re the same.”
54, 86, 61, 63, 66.
I don’t know how these elderly men will lead my features in the end but as I listen more, feel more, and look deeper into their eyes, I found my heart contracting with my own inner pains, resonating with these lovely bachelors’ unusual stories.
The reason why I want to talk to older people is because they’ve come to an age that there’s little fear or pressure of telling the truth. They don’t have to think of anything better to say than what reality is. They’re nicer, wiser, warmer people to be with, whatever past they have had. After all, they’ve chosen the life they want, even if it may not be as satisfying as their childish dreams. But then again, whose life is?
Thanks to every participant and those who have helped or tried to help. I’m glad to lend a faithful ear.