Wednesday October 3, 1888, 18:01 – Arles, France. I had to come back to see Vincent again, and not just to check on him after the earlier meeting we had, but also to share the great news which I never got to in the morning.
“Comment vas-tu” I asked. He was engrossed in his painting and barely looked up as he mumbled fine in French while continuing to paint. I continued in French: Well good to hear and I am glad you are sitting down. I know it’s been a struggle to gain acceptance and appreciation from the people around you, but believe me it’s coming. He stopped for a moment and looked at me with a puzzled look on his face. I said it’s true. You will become one of the most well-known artists … He interrupted excitedly exclaiming, “en France?” in disbelief. I said in history!!!
His head twitched for a moment as he tried to digest what I was saying. He was speechless. His dreams were in fact finally going to become reality.
Then suddenly he smiled, awkwardly. I had never seen him smile. I am not sure anyone had. Then a moment later he burst out laughing and could not stop. But eventually he did. And I said how about we crank out happy portrait of you? He was delighted and we jumped right in…
It wasn’t long before we had an image no one had ever seen before. Vincent was ecstatic. It was very late though and I had to go. I thanked him and told him how happy I was for him. It was great to see him in this jubilant state. As I headed out he grabbed my arm, with a serious inquisitive look on his face and with a loud voice blurted: Mais quand, QUAND? (When?)
It was over. I was already gone. I am glad I did not have a chance to answer and hope he did not see my expression as I faded away. I felt terrible, but how could I answer?
