The Murder in Desert Inn: The Journo

By Virginia Close

Nelly’s adventures of a myth-like fantasy conjure her identity when she suddenly finds herself in the desert. Never in her dreams exists the notion that the murder in Desert Inn is her ticket to go back to the past. The craving for action, the places she used to visit like mortuaries, courthouses and chasing the criminals to find the truth were her kicks that she is able to manifest again. The time to relive her long-ago is cardinal to her happiness. And it is happening. The murders of Jane Doe and Laura Jenkins are good enough reasons for Nelly to write crime news again. The desert reveals itself. Her passion for finding the truth is inevitable and unstoppable. Nelly has to dig deeper not to find gold but to solve the mystery of the murder in Desert Inn. The desert is the crime scene. Her world becomes incomprehensible to the likeness of a different planet—rationalisation—far beyond her grasps. As she discovers the characters that lead her to the murderer, the universe opens the door to her real world. Her past is now following her that she can not control. Is she dreaming or travelling in time—the reason she can see the past, present and the future? Who is the culprit or culprits of the murder in Desert Inn? The thrill and excitement of the unfolding saga will bring you to the space that you have never imagined before.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: May 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781528982030

Virginia Close

Virginia Close is a poet and writer of Filipino descent living in Australia. She was a graduate of mass communication from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. She trained at Communication Foundation for Asia and at Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation. In her early twenties, she moved to Australia. Her many travels around the world became an inspiration in her writing. She began to write since childhood and rediscovered her first love—Creative Writing—in her fifties with a particular interest in mystery, drama, love, relationship and discovering oneself. Virginia’s book also brings out the insightful perspective of a migrant in Australia.

Book preview

Truth

About the Author

Virginia Close is a poet and writer of Filipino descent living in Australia. She was a graduate of mass communication from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. She trained at Communication Foundation for Asia and at Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation. In her early twenties, she moved to Australia. Her many travels around the world became an inspiration in her writing. She began to write since childhood and rediscovered her first love—Creative Writing—in her fifties with a particular interest in mystery, drama, love, relationship and discovering oneself. Virginia’s book also brings out the insightful perspective of a migrant in Australia.

Dedication

To the desert of Western Australia, thank you!

Copyright Information ©

Virginia Close (2021)

The right of Virginia Close to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528982023 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528982030 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2021)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge Dr Michael Wilson for his overwhelming support and encouragement. Without him, I would not be able to write this book. Thank you so much for bringing me to the desert of Western Australia.

Synopsis

Nelly’s adventures of a myth-like fantasy conjure her identity when she suddenly finds herself in the desert. The isolation of the desert and the people that she meets give her the inspiration to dream of going back in time. The happy thoughts and memories of her job way back that were destroyed and abolished from her soul for more than twenty years become alive. The craving for action, the places she used to visit, such as mortuaries and courthouses, and chasing the criminals to find the truth were her kicks. She believes that the past is where she belongs—the world of journalism. The time to relive her long-ago memories is cardinal to her happiness. But how could she make it happen?

The dynamics of the desert that Nelly does not know reveal her own persona. But the conglomeration of her present with the past remains to be seen. Her passion for finding the truth is inevitable and unstoppable. There is only one way for her long-lost identity to come back—going back to the past.

Her world becomes incomprehensible to the likeness of a different planet—rationalisation—far beyond her grasp. As she discovers the real ‘she’, the universe opens the door to the job dearest to her heart—journalism.

Chapter 1

The Migrant

At the height of the build-up, on December 5, 1983, a Qantas Boeing 707 taxied onto the Darwin International Airport. Nelly Lacson was one of the passengers sitting and patiently waiting for the announcement to disembark. She stood up and opened the overhead compartment. While taking out her luggage, a sudden fright crept up her body. The creeping sensation intensified as she waited for the passengers to start walking out of the airplane. As the aircraft did not connect to the tube, the passengers had to walk to the tarmac to reach the immigration and customs building. She could feel the dreadful heat even though it was only five-thirty in the morning. The thought of marching back to the jet plane came to her mind. She slowly made her way to the stairway sweating like a pig while her eyes roamed like a surveillance camera. She bumped into a gentleman as soon as she reached the last step of the stairway. Her bag fell to the ground. The gentleman picked up the bag and apologised. Nelly acted contrite in return and continued on her way to the small building. She was sweating more and more. Such great weather in Manila when she had left yesterday. It was atrocious weather in the northern part of Australia. She had come at the wrong time of the year. Knotting her knuckles and protruding her lips to the disgusting feeling, she ambled. No way would she hurry; her fear persisted not to the immigration officer nor to the customs but to the days ahead that in the city where an inferno adhered. When she came in the ‘Tin Shed’, as she called the Darwin International Airport, she was dismayed at the wealthy and lucky country. In her mind, she said, I thought Australia is like Europe. My sister deceived me; I want to cry. Why didn’t I accept my brother’s invitation to join him in Sydney permanently? At least Sydney is a much bigger city than Darwin. You’re an idiot, Nelly! This airport is no better than the shed in the small provinces of the Philippines. Oh my God! Hey, young woman, Darwin is not the rest of Australia! You have been to Melbourne and Sydney before. Give the city of Darwin some credit! Little town does not mean little people. You should know better than that!

Her thoughts deliberated. The quiet ambience plunked a big question mark in her mind: was her decision justified to migrate to a different continent, Australia?

The immigration officer took her Philippine passport, looked it over and stamped the travel document without any question. Two weeks ago, Nelly had been over the moon while she was holding her passport inscribed and sealed with permanent residence from the Australian Embassy in Makati, Philippines. Her feeling at that moment was entirely the opposite—glum and disheartened. A new life awaited her in the Land of Oz! She collected her bearings—que sera sera! I’ll give you a month, Darwin. That’s all!

As soon as Nelly got out of customs, her mother, Rosa, and her eldest sister, Mercy, welcomed her with the utmost glee. No turning back now; Nelly’s new home was Darwin, Northern Territory. Reality hit. That’s what Mercy said anyway. Not to Nelly. She thought, No way, this is not going to be my home ever!

Mercy drove happily and talked about the small town. Nelly had lost her tongue and was brooding to the murmurs that the city of Darwin was no way near the metropolis that she hailed from. Nelly Lacson, twenty-three years old, born and was brought up in Manila, Philippines. No problem if the hustle and bustle overflowed due to the dense population. She was so used to it and just loved the noises—music to her ears. She had just arrived in Australia but already missed the Philippines. C’mon, Nelly, decide! What am I going to do? All the members of my family are here and many of my relatives live in Darwin. What a nightmare!

Although Nelly had been to a few other cities, Manila was one of her favourites and she was proud of the urban town because of its history and charming people. She spent most of her time during her university days in the original and famous ‘Walled City’, Intramuros. And she considered herself privileged to walk almost every day through the historic site where her college was located. Just a few metres away was Luneta Park, where she would sit under a tree reviewing or doing her assignments. Thus, Manila was very dear to her heart. The transition from a big metropolis of Manila to a small city of Darwin was hard for Nelly. Although her family was around and utterly important, she had no friends. The job that she had nurtured and cherished—which was full of excitement and rewards, not money but intellectually and emotionally—had also been left behind. Back in the Philippines, Nelly had been a journalist.

No ifs and buts, Nelly had to at least give living in Darwin a try. Whoopla, she had been wrong about the Northern Territory of Australia. The first week, Mercy and her family brought Nelly to different places to familiarise her with the environment. The next week, Nelly applied for a job in the government and got it. She was more than happy, but it only meant that her journalistic know-how went to Pandora’s box.

As the days went by, she got accustomed to a certain lifestyle of a resource-rich, stable economy and very high standard of living. Her perception of Darwin had been wrong. It did not take long for Nelly to love the place. Undeniably, Darwin was indeed relaxed, laidback with approximately 60,000 inhabitants, whose number fluctuated on two seasons—wet and dry. She believed that the dry season was the most impeccable. When the dragonflies appeared in her garden, she knew that the dry season was underway. The wet season had the most spectacular thunderstorm and Nelly would sit near the window waiting for the lightning to appear, illuminating the dark sky. In no time, she embraced the culture and also learned the accent and lingo of Aussie slang. She found the capital city of the Northern Territory fascinating. See, Nelly! You cannot judge a city by the looks of the airport. No need for a big airport in Darwin! Waste of resources! Since when did you like big airports, anyway? Dah!

Time was flying fast, like a shooting star—here and suddenly gone. During the first three years, she went down south a few times. At the start of her fourth year in Darwin, she went to Europe to visit her aunt. On the way back to Australia, she passed Manila and spent a week there. Then, she had a few hours stopover in Singapore. In the hours of contemplation at Changi Airport, she decided that it was time to tell her mother and siblings of her intention to go to Sydney. Why Sydney? Firstly, Sydney was notorious for criminals and gangs. She aimed to work where the crime rate was higher; plenty of action because it was a big metropolis and there was much news to write. Her kick was to chase the criminals, including police corruption, drug deals and prostitution. That was a bit dangerous. For Nelly, that was heaven. Secondly, her two brothers, Einstein and Aristotle, lived in Sydney. Nelly was thirsty and hungered as a journalist. Despite the lavish lifestyle that she was able to gain from her current job, her career must come first. Money was not the ultimate goal. At twenty-seven years of age, she had to make the long overdue move and concentrate on her career. Three years in Darwin was more than she could handle. This determination changed when she met David Jerome Williams while waiting to board the plane. David was thirty-two years old, a handsome man as if he were Adonis and single. He was a doctor who had just finished his gig in Africa and was going to visit his parents in Gove who also worked in the medical field. A job waited for him in Bathurst Eylandt—a remote community in outback Australia. Plain and straightforward, Nelly and David connected—love at first sight. Was it? Seriously? Nelly’s dream of working as a journalist flew to Sydney alone. With just a week in Bathurst, David came back to Darwin and continued wooing Nelly. Immediately, he got a job at the Royal Darwin Hospital. Six months passed and David proposed on Nelly’s birthday in front of her relatives and friends. Nelly’s life was spectacularly enjoyable. As a wife, she changed her name and documents to Mrs Nelly Williams. Her sparkle turned even brighter when she gave birth to a girl, followed by a boy. Two hands full, she did not return to work anymore. But when her children went to school full-time, she decided not to go back to the government job. Instead, she applied at the casino and got the position of a gaming attendant. It suited her lifestyle. She could pick up her children from school and bring them to their extra-curricular activities before going to work. David did not have a problem with that. Working at the casino made Nelly jovial. The sound of the coins getting in and out of the machine was music to her ears. Different denominations passed through her hands every single day, like toy money. To be successful, the job required a level of knowledge and skill, namely patience and financial acumen, to ensure that the customers remained satisfied. Fortunately, Nelly possessed them both and much more. She knew the slightest details of her clients’ lives as they incessantly talked to her as they fed their hard-earned money into the mouth of the insatiable machines. There was nothing wrong with that as they were often lonely people needing someone to talk with. She was like a counsellor with one slight difference: her service were free of charge.

After three years of the casual job, she went full-time. The benefits and privileges were unbeatable. The thought of getting another job was now far from her agenda. Her wage helped in so many ways, especially with family life and her overseas travels. However, Nelly could never consider it her profession. No sad moments at work, but her brain as a journalist went into hibernation for an extended period. From tip to toe, she had no plans of turning back. She was happy with her life. Thoroughly, Mrs Williams embraced accomplishment: a happy marriage, healthy children and a good job. She went through all the great things in life when she was young, such as the disco houses where she would dance with friends and drink like no tomorrow. Even the excellent dining and the most sought-after wine suited for kings and queens, Nelly had been there with such grandeur. Totally, life was at its summit of happiness since she had met David.

The epic journey of Nelly started during the mid-winter of 2009. Albeit it was only their 21st wedding anniversary, David surprised his wife with a big present: a tour of Europe. Though it was not their first time in Europe and not the first time not to travel with her children, it was a total excitement for Nelly. The couple’s first stop was Paris, France, on January 24. Although the weather was freezing cold, Nelly felt the freshness of the day as she got out of the plane. As usual, David carried all her luggage. Nelly hugged onto him like a child. From Charles de Gaulle airport, the husband and wife took the train to the city and then took the Paris Metro to their hotel. The snowflakes hovered as they exited La Motte-Picquet—Grenelle. Instead of minding their luggage, Nelly took out her camera and demanded David to take tons of photographs while she danced and played with the snow falling on the ground like grated marshmallows.

Nelly had been in this famous city a few times. She said, The romantic city of Paris where lovers hold hands and the presence of Cupid all around charm me! To see the magnificent Renaissance buildings that cover the landscape is my dream come true. The expanse of the majestic city captivates my soul. Then loud laughter followed. She held David’s hands and sauntered with a cheery glow. My eyes do not blink; I am pinching myself—am I really here or just a trance? And she continued to laugh. David put the camera in his backpack and embraced his wife. Such a beautiful scene to look at.

As Nelly had a few relatives in Paris, she and David spent two days with them.

After five days in Paris, the couple took the Euro train to Vienna, Austria. Nelly’s feet wandered to the home of Strauss, the city of love and music—where the opera singers dreamt to perform. It made one of her fantasies real and elated her soul when she went to watch a musical play in the baroque theatre. She also wanted to watch a show in Vienna Opera House. So, the husband and wife queued for standing room only. However, after a few minutes of waiting, Nelly shivered as if her jaws were about to fall. She dragged David back to the hotel. The temperature was below zero. At the hotel, she asked her husband to stay longer in Vienna. Too late. David had already booked a train ticket to Salzburg and they would stay there for a few days to do snow-skiing. Nelly made a vow to come back to Vienna. That was written in her bucket list; not only to watch at the Opera House but to attend the most prestigious ball and frolic to the Johann Strauss music. She even asked David to learn ballroom dancing in preparation because she did not know how to waltz.

David made an itinerary that was unusual. Typically, he would go the route nearest to the next city. But Nelly did not question him, considering it was a surprise present. So, from Salzburg, the couple flew to Madrid, Spain. The weather was not freezing but still cold. The city of Madrid where the scholars of her homeland went to study made her jealous for they were so lucky to have pursued their education in a place she wanted to study. She remembered in her history class that Dr Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, went to Universidad de Central Madrid. Therefore, when Nelly found out that there was an exhibition on the life of the martyr, Jose Rizal, in Bibliotheca National in Madrid, she had to visit. The couple headed to the nearest subway from the hotel. Nelly was astonished; the station’s named Las Islas Filipinas (the Island of the Philippines). She knew Philippines played a big part in the history and economy of Spain back then but did not expect that it would be embedded this much. At the exhibition, she was frustrated. The attendant talked in Spanish and was cross as Nelly started to take photos. Nelly brooded but was delighted that Spain was honouring the martyr. His prison cell in Montjuic Castle, Barcelona, became a room for SALA JOSE RIZAL in the exhibition. Jose Rizal was convicted of treason during the Spanish regime and was executed. He was one of the brilliant scholars of the 19th century produced by University of Santo Tomas in Manila, and had written his farewell poem in Spanish—Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell)—translated in at least 38 countries in the world. Many countries had used it for political reasons. Nelly did not and would not interpret the context of his poem for political ramification but opted to welter the artistic beauty of the rhymes.

Nelly explained to David about her admiration of the national hero of the Philippines. She wondered, Darling, why would countries like Australia and America question the standard of education in the Philippines, especially for professionals, when someone wants to migrate? Mind-boggling, isn’t it? One of the ancient universities in the world is in the Philippines. Do you know that, babe?

I know, the University of Santo Tomas, David smiled.

In the University of Melbourne, classes commenced in 1855, a year prior the university building was finished. Harvard University was established in 1636. But as early as 1611, University of Santo Tomas already existed in Manila, Philippines, and was already producing scholars, Nelly said.

David smiled again.

Nelly giggled and answered her own question, I believe that it is just like applying for a job when a person wants to migrate. Not challenging the standard but protecting the industry and the labour force. People in Australia shouldn’t use contraception. We need more inhabitants, darling. Otherwise…

Otherwise…what, darling?

We have to import goods and services. Even though Australia opened the door to skilled workers, this country has so many empty lands!

Remember, baby, not all the places in Australia are viable.

Oh! Well, what about Nevada, baby? It is a desert!

Can’t have casinos in all places, sweetness. We have too many already in Australia, he held his wife’s face. Baby, you are one lucky gem that you grew up in a country where education is valued, he said and kissed her forehead.

Darling, Spain used to conquer the world through navigation. We all know that! It is written. Thank you for bringing me to Spain the second time, darling. The once vibrant Spanish empire that used to conquer the world through navigation as far as Asia enlightened Nelly where her ancestors came from.

After four days in Madrid, it was time to hit the road again. David hired a car and drove to Valencia. The magical city, comparable to Disneyland without the rides, did not only take Nelly to wonderland but brought her to her religious roots. First on the list was to hear the mass in the cathedral. Once finished, she asked David to see the Santo Caliz (Holy Grail). When she got inside, she told him that she could only see bright lights. The chapel was solemn. She was astonished to see teenagers kneeling and praying. She felt sanctified and providential to set foot inside the church. Being a devout Catholic, it was a total consecration to her whole being. At that moment, she felt grateful for having almost everything that she had ever wanted and could not ask for more.

After three days in Valencia, the couple drove to Barcelona. The first day, they visited Sagrada Familia, an exquisite cathedral that rendered Nelly speechless. It was like a gothic fairyland. Antoni Gaudi, the architect and builder of the cathedral, must have taken the inspiration from nirvana. Just the sight of it was imperious. Five days in Barcelona were a total thrill for Nelly.

After Barcelona, the couple flew to Nice and spent the day in French Riviera. But Nelly thought the place was not such a big deal after all. The French Riviera was full of rocks and Nelly believed that Bondi Beach was a lot prettier. But later on, she realised that the French Riviera was totally different and had something special that she could not understand. The rocks made it fascinating.

The next day, David hired a car with a chauffeur to go to Monaco. Nelly was ecstatic. Suited for a postcard, the picturesque principality of Monaco fascinated Nelly where the movie actress named Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier. The small country welcomed Grace as the princess, the utmost fantasy in the world of make-believe for little girls. The tiny principality where the Monegasques were the minority was the world where reality did not exist but only lay in the heart of the beholder when taken back to where they came from.

Two days in Nice had been such a doldrum for Nelly. Why? Because it was winter. No action in French Riviera. Definitely, in the summertime, it was a different story. So, with a flick of her finger, she asked David that they would take a train to Milan, Italy. See! This was the reason David had made their itinerary quite different from before because Nelly could get bored quickly. And when she did, David absolutely knew that Nelly would take it out on a shopping spree.

Nelly had been in Milan a few times but she loved the place and could go back there anytime. She believed that the glamour and fashion of Milan was the contribution of Italy to the world of class and finesse. Instituto de Marangoni, the best fashion school in the world, was located in Milan. Nelly had always been stylish but the one thing she loved about the old city was going to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele that sat a few metres from Duomo Di Milano. Signature items? No! Restaurants? No! She loved the architecture of the galleria. In the middle of the Galleria was the mosaic that portrayed the Coat of Arms. During her first time in Milan, Nelly’s relative, who domiciled in the city, told her to put her right foot and rotate it on the bull’s genital. By doing this, it would give Nelly a chance at great fortune. She did the act again. David did not but just laughed, feeling sorry for the bull.

The couple headed to the Milan Cathedral and Nelly was astonished yet again with the predominant Gothic architecture. She dragged her husband to walk on top of the dome. Instead of getting exhausted, Nelly was rejuvenated. Although the construction took a long period, the Cathedral was remarkably phenomenal; it had been constructed by different builders who probably mastered their craft by building the Cathedral. She said to her other half that maybe that was the only place they worked, considering the amount of time it took to be erected—a few decades. David took plenty of shots before they went down. The couple headed inside the Cathedral. As it was wintertime, the magnificent paintings were hanging as if suspended in mid-air. Nelly was overwhelmed because the last time she had come, it had been summer and the paintings were not there. Visitors were not allowed to take pictures, but Nelly did not care and took many shots. All the tourists were taking photos, regardless.

The couple took a plane to London after four days. Nelly was morose but knew that it was long enough for her husband staying and bonding with relatives. The couple did not lose time and went out of the hotel after checking in. A song was playing on Nelly’s mind as she walked on the footpath of London Bridge. Nelly and David ended up in Covent Garden. Immediately, she asked her husband to check the availability of the shows. Nelly reminded David how her tears had fallen like a tap of water as they had watched the musical play, Miss Saigon, way back in 1992.

Another highlight of their trip was the historic city of Lisbon, or Lisboa as they called it in Portugal. As far as Nelly’s history knowledge was concerned, Spain and Portugal subdivided the world into two—the Treaty of Zaragoza. The power of the tiny countries of Spain and Portugal conquering the world just for the sake of spices excited her, for these two states were the roots of her blood running through her veins.

Thrilled and energised, Nelly talked in Spanish as she greeted the receptionist at the Museu da Marinha (Maritime Museum of Lisbon). Not even thinking that she was in Portugal and that the Portuguese speak a different language. She was aware though, that Portuguese people could speak several languages. However, Nelly did not expect that the receptionist would be jubilant that she could talk in Spanish. Nelly’s articulacy of the language had brought her a long way in Europe since it was widely spoken. Spanish was a part of Philippines curriculum in high school and higher education; one of the reasons she could speak, read and write the language. Spanish was her second language. The receptionist handed some brochures to Nelly and they continued to converse. David was ecstatic to hear his wife talking in a different language fluently and listened wholeheartedly. When Nelly was done with her colloquy with the receptionist, she started to walk with David in the first part of the museum. As she was walking, she recalled some of her good and bad days at school and excitedly narrated them to her husband. She used to go to many museums when she was young with her classmates.

Darling, those good old days at school were the most memorable of all. Too long ago since my world of academics. The high school reunion that I brought you to was great. Did you really enjoy coming with me to my class reunions?

He embraced Nelly and whispered, Of course, baby. I find them all amazing.

But the last thing we talked was academia, darling, Nelly smiled. How I hated one of my professors, darling. I thought she was picking on me, and laughed.

Don’t we all hate them, he laughed.

"I did not value my professor. But I really adored her as I got older. It was incredible because I had the honour to be her student. She has a PhD in communication and is a great movie and theatre actress. And I ignored her when I was young. I later found out that she was not picking on me. On my graduation day, my professor talked to me. I cannot forget what she said. These were her exact words, ‘I have nurtured you and followed your writing all the way. I can see in the future that you will be one of the best journalists. Use your knowledge adequately. Word is a very powerful tool; use it wisely and carefully. Freedom of speech is only good if used responsibly. Do not be deceived by the etymon for it can create chaos and destruction’."

How did you respond? David asked.

I cried, darling. I could not believe that my professor would say those words of wisdom, she said, dragging David to another part of the museum.

That is so sweet, darling. Please, don’t pull me, he said laughing.

C’mon, darling, let’s see more of these ships, she continued to toggle her husband. The attraction of different ships in the museum dazed Nelly. Portugal was the birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan; he had discovered his star on March 16, 1521—Philippines. Fernando Magallanes was the first person who circumnavigated the world, even though he did not finish the voyage; he lost his life in the battle and was not able to go back to Spain. The credit was given to him for discovering the passage. A Portuguese national but he had rendered his services to Spain. Nelly had not taken notice of it when she had been at primary school. However, she took some interest when she reached high school and read more about it. Was Magellan unpatriotic to Portugal? The books did not say so. But why did he render his services to Spain? Prior to going to Spain, Magellan was accused of being ‘AWOL’. He was also accused of some other bullshit—Nelly’s best words to describe it. Although some of the accusations were proven wrong, Magellan could not get a job at all. His passion for navigation brought him to Spain, but he worked extremely hard. He studied the chart with another cosmographer en route, making way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. And presented it to King Charles I of Spain who later became Holy Emperor Charles V of the Roman Empire. Nelly wondered if King Manuel I of Portugal had been pissing his pants when he found out that Magellan was right that he could reach the Pacific by travelling westward.

Nelly suddenly saw the portrait of Magellan. Darling, look at Magellan’s portrait, it is minuscule. So tiny.

It is not that little, darling. Remember? Vasco da Gama is the man here in Portugal and not Magellan, he laughed.

I know that! Oh well, bad luck. Magellan presented the idea to King Manuel—to travel west. Too bad he knocked it down. Maybe the king did not like Magellan, darling.

Nelly modulated her voice, Maybe he rooted the king’s root, she laughed aloud. David whispered for her to keep quiet but guffawed.

Nelly’s last trip to Europe would not be complete if she did not visit Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal, so they went there too.

Europe charmed Nelly because of the history, and she believed that the Catholic Church was a colossal place to see antiquities aside from museums. In the Philippines, the remnants of the Spanish influence were apparent in the Catholic Church. She used to wonder when she was young of why the Philippines was westernised. However, when she was in Europe, the Philippines were so much alike—a little Europe in Asia. The name of the country alone—Philippines—came from the name Philip; it was named after Crown Philip II of Spain as a gift to honour him.

The couple’s last city to visit in Europe was Amsterdam, home of Van Gogh. Nelly was enthralled when she saw the painting of a head of a prostitute in the Van Gogh museum. The painting that gave her the biggest heebie-jeebies in her life for it resembled her very own face as if she was looking in the mirror. Nelly even covered her face for they might think it was she. She sought the attention of her husband. How could she be me when Van Gogh has been dead since the 19th century? she sniggered.

David laughed.

The husband and wife went to the souvenir shop after staying an hour or so at the Van Gogh Museum. Nelly wanted to buy the postcard that resembled her face but she was frustrated. It was out of stock. As soon as Nelly got back to the hotel, she googled wanting to buy the postcard of ‘Head of the prostitute’. But on the website, it was written ‘Head of a Woman’.

Why would they put ‘Head of a Woman’ on the site when it was clearly written ‘Head of the prostitute’ below the painting in the gallery? Most of the models of Van Gogh were prostitutes anyway! That was all he could afford. Van Gogh had said that they were easy to talk to. Without them, he wouldn’t have models.

The painting definitely is not cheap now! David said.

Nelly was amazed how artists became more attractive when they were gone. They struggled with life for the sake of art, leaving all the fortune to the family. Vincent Van Gogh did not have any children but his brother Theo had. Although most of the paintings were sold when Theo died, his wife retained the remaining oeuvre. The Van Gogh family tried to accumulate all the paintings of Vincent. Nelly thought that someday, she could get hold of the artwork that resembled her. Darling, would you believe that I can buy the painting of Van Gogh if I became a billionaire?

Nothing is impossible, darling! David said.

Albeit Nelly found Europe mind-blowing, she was moved and touched when she visited the house of Anne Frank. With malady in her heart, Nelly lamented as she walked to the attic where Anne Frank had written her diary. The tiny loft where darkness prevailed day and night as Anne’s family hid made Nelly anguished. People stared at her and started to cry too.

Her heart tore into pieces and believed that she could never be put back together if she was that little girl. Anne Frank endured the pain and suffering and made her diary her best friend. The pain from the unspeakable worthless meaning of war, not only with the psychical torture of Mother Nature. But the hearts and soul of mankind brought Nelly to the conclusion that