Observe_dont_Absorb
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Summary of Island Secrets, Chapter Ten
'Remembering'
A man suddenly remembers something - a woman he used to bump into, Teresa, when they were at college. He ponders why he's suddenly thought of her, as she was totally 'forgettable', average looking with brown curly hair, and they hadn't been in a relationship.
He goes about his day and deals with his publishing agent, Liz, who he's had an intense friendship with for 20 years and she publishes his travel writing, currently commissioning a book on Mongolia. People love his books because he's so insightful and observant. He lives simply as he doesn't value flash cars etc and travels to Bali when he can, riding around in a beat up jeep.
He's got writer's block and health problems it seems. He wonders if he's distracted about something and reflects what it could be. His sons are both grown up and responsible - both in investment finance. Recalls his ex-wife Gina, a feisty woman, compared to his upbringing of middle class restrained parents. His remembers bits from his childhood - once when his mother wasn't speaking to his father for a week and his father violently smashed a plate at the dinner table.
He doesn't enjoy thinking of the past and takes pride in staying in the present moment, he has no room for reflection or regrets.
That night, he wakes having a memory of an incident with his grandfather.
Next day, his friend Kadek takes him to a fancy new hospital in Kuta, especially for tourists and ex-pats. He feels segregated by not knowing Balinese. He's getting lotion for rashes and trying to figure out why he's having memory lapses. The doctor thinks it's memory impairment from stress, not requiring an MRI. Suggests him relaxation techniques. He frets about the indignity of losing one's mind and words.
A month has gone by. Kadek calls on him with various remedies and takes him to a Shaman. When they see the healer, he begins to cry and finds it futile. He just wants his words back. He's afraid of losing his autonomy.
Liz phones and wonders what's wrong with him and he pours his heart out explaining his fears of dementia. She suggests he come back home.
He reflects on his life - a failure to be a journalist, then his wife preferring to be with another man due to his wanderlust and emotional intimacy issues. He realises if he goes home he'll need medical testing. He decides to stay in Bali to finish his current book and then travel more, he wants to continue to buy time and make new and old memories.
The End.
'Remembering'
A man suddenly remembers something - a woman he used to bump into, Teresa, when they were at college. He ponders why he's suddenly thought of her, as she was totally 'forgettable', average looking with brown curly hair, and they hadn't been in a relationship.
He goes about his day and deals with his publishing agent, Liz, who he's had an intense friendship with for 20 years and she publishes his travel writing, currently commissioning a book on Mongolia. People love his books because he's so insightful and observant. He lives simply as he doesn't value flash cars etc and travels to Bali when he can, riding around in a beat up jeep.
He's got writer's block and health problems it seems. He wonders if he's distracted about something and reflects what it could be. His sons are both grown up and responsible - both in investment finance. Recalls his ex-wife Gina, a feisty woman, compared to his upbringing of middle class restrained parents. His remembers bits from his childhood - once when his mother wasn't speaking to his father for a week and his father violently smashed a plate at the dinner table.
He doesn't enjoy thinking of the past and takes pride in staying in the present moment, he has no room for reflection or regrets.
That night, he wakes having a memory of an incident with his grandfather.
Next day, his friend Kadek takes him to a fancy new hospital in Kuta, especially for tourists and ex-pats. He feels segregated by not knowing Balinese. He's getting lotion for rashes and trying to figure out why he's having memory lapses. The doctor thinks it's memory impairment from stress, not requiring an MRI. Suggests him relaxation techniques. He frets about the indignity of losing one's mind and words.
A month has gone by. Kadek calls on him with various remedies and takes him to a Shaman. When they see the healer, he begins to cry and finds it futile. He just wants his words back. He's afraid of losing his autonomy.
Liz phones and wonders what's wrong with him and he pours his heart out explaining his fears of dementia. She suggests he come back home.
He reflects on his life - a failure to be a journalist, then his wife preferring to be with another man due to his wanderlust and emotional intimacy issues. He realises if he goes home he'll need medical testing. He decides to stay in Bali to finish his current book and then travel more, he wants to continue to buy time and make new and old memories.
The End.
