It was indeed a coincidence to bring this book to my trip as Plan B. I didn't know the story line till I accidently stumbled upon the highlight of the novel in the Star Newspapers, 17 August 2004, then decided to google to find out more:
".....Having sworn to love Fermina Daza forever, he settles in to wait for as long as he has to until she's free again. This turns out to be 51 years, 9 months and 4 days later, when suddenly, absurdly, on a Pentecost Sunday around 1930, Dr. Juvenal Urbino dies, chasing a parrot upon mango tree. After the funeral, when everyone else has left, Florentino steps forward with his hat over his heart "Fermina," he declares, "I have waited for this opportunity for more than half a century, to repeat to you once again my vow of eternal fidelity and everlasting love....."So.. meaning, I have another 38 years to go? Okay. If I live that long with my hypertension and possibly cholesterol problems. Tragic. Now I know why Kat bought me this book!
In a totally unrelated matter- Leo came to visit me out of the blue. I grumpily get the door, thinking it was the moronic parents of the babies we are baby sitting. Dumb founded, it was him.
The expected happened. He handed an invitation to his wedding reception personally. I am the first to receive.
I am happy for him, whole heartedly, and sincerely wish him all the happiness in the world.
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