Another notebook, a playlist, and a billboard outside my window.
Dear Evan,
The days go by, each one much like the last. Sometimes I feel as though I’m making my way through a dark space by touch, searching for a light that might finally illuminate my path.
This week, we learned of the passing of a great artist: Glen Hansard. If you don’t know him, I encourage you to watch the movie Once. I discovered it last year, and I added the song “Falling Slowly”, from the film’s soundtrack, to our playlist. The movie and the song are both beautiful.
One day, I’ll have to explain what “our playlist” means, but I’m not ready to reveal that much yet. Publishing on an online platform is difficult for me because I’m a very private person. I keep writing, but in a small paper notebook. You’re the only person I want to write to, the only person I long to speak to.
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About a week or two ago, I watched my very first X-Men movie! I’m not particularly drawn to the Marvel universe in general, so you can imagine it was almost a miracle! You were part of the cast. It was the first time I’d watched anything you appeared in since… Since I could no longer look at the moon shining in the night sky without thinking of you.
I’d like to end on a lighter note, with something that might make you smile.
In January of this year, when The Beauty was coming out and you were on tour, I decided to uninstall all of my social media. At the time, I was looking for a job, and I didn’t want to be flooded with photos, much less know whether you would be coming to Paris. The algorithm on those platforms is relentless, so I deleted everything rather than take any chances. One day, I went out to do my grocery shopping, and just a few steps from my apartment I came across a huge promotional billboard, over eight feet tall… There were several actors in the series, yet somehow it had to be you. So there it was, visible from my window: a billboard of you holding a syringe. I burst out laughing when I realized it was lit up at night! It was such an absurdly funny situation.
And with that, I bring this second post to a close. In an ideal world, we would watch Once together. I’d love so much to see your reaction and find out whether you enjoyed the movie.
I’m sending you my warmest, most tender thoughts,
~ Aurélie
