Edward was creating an exquisite ice sculpture of a beautiful woman alone at the top floor of a deserted castle. Using scissors in his hands, the intricately carved ice shards fell down gloriously and transformed into snowflakes as they passed through the window on the wall. The high-altitude snowflakes dispersed into the sky, turning into snowfall that cascaded toward the village where Geon lived.
Geon remembered Edward as he watched the falling snow. A flashback of Geon's youthful days flashed, showcasing his joyous smile as the snowfall in the castle intensified. However, Edward's expression remained unseen, only his figure sculpting the ice.
As the snow scattered from the castle, words floated above.
"Director: Tim Burton"
"Director: Caroline Dumpson"
"Special Makeup: Stan Winston Studio"
While the credits rolled on screen, a humming tune resonated, carrying a sense of longing infused with Geon's voice. Though his voice sounded melancholic, the music conveyed more of longing and sorrow than sadness. Typically, by the time the credits ended, viewers would start preparing to leave their seats, but no one moved. As the image of the castle vanished and the screen turned black, only white credits were rising from bottom to top.
"Music Editor: Hans Zimmer, John Corigliano, Kay"
Geon stared at the screen with his name on it. He didn't feel the joy of having his name in the movie credits for the first time; instead, he remained immersed in the emotions of the music and the film. Corigliano, too, stared blankly at the screen where only names were being recorded.
"To all the fans who loved my film 26 years ago and to Tim Burton of 1991."
As the credits ended, one last line appeared.
"Special Thanks: My Persona Kay"
The screen went completely dark, and lights came on in the theater. A quiet sobbing of a man was heard in the silent theater.
"Sob... sob..."
Desperately trying to hold back his tears, the man couldn't suppress the sobs that escaped his lips. He swiftly rose as if propelled and rushed out of the theater. Only then did other audience members, many women wiping their eyes with tissues, follow suit. Even the man, his eyes red from crying, was leaving the theater.
Corigliano glanced at Geon.
"Is this what genius is? I've received countless praises, heard the word 'genius' from numerous people, but I've never done something like Kay did at her age."
Placing a hand on Geon's shoulder as if sensing his turmoil, Corigliano looked at him. When someone touched him, Geon slightly trembled and looked at Corigliano.
"Kay. The final music. Did you make it?"
Turning his head back towards the screen, Geon slowly nodded. Seeing this, Corigliano let out a sigh.
"I've composed three songs, and Hans has composed four. Yet, all of us lost to you, Kay."
Geon seemed to ask what he meant, and Corigliano smiled as he stood up.
"Are you hungry? Shall we grab something to eat? There's a really good taco place nearby."
With a somewhat stiff expression, Geon left the theater with Corigliano. Outside, many viewers were discussing their lingering thoughts about the movie in front of the theater. While waiting for Corigliano to return from the restroom, Geon stood in front of the theater, listening to people's conversations.
"Who could Kay be in the Special Thanks?"
"Don't know. Judging by the expression 'My Persona,' could it be someone related to music?"
"The movie feels completely different from what I saw when I was young."
"Shall we watch this movie again over the weekend?"
"Sure, let's bring our parents too."
"The last music is still resonating in my ears."
"Me too. It's the first time I've felt this moved even after a movie ends."
"How does Johnny Depp express so much without many lines?"
"He's a genius. He was young when he made that movie."
"It's his third movie, so he was young."
"It's amazing. Isn't this re-release going to set a box office record?"
Listening to the murmurs of people in front of the theater, Geon smiled. Looking up at the darkening sky, he stretched his arms wide and laughed. Witnessing Geon's laughter at the spectacle of snow created by Edward falling from the sky, Corigliano, who was watching from a distance, also chuckled softly.
They arrived by taxi at New York's Chelsea Market. Despite the market-like atmosphere, the building named Chelsea Market housed numerous food stalls emitting tempting aromas, attracting passersby. Following Corigliano's guidance, they entered a building called 'Los Tacos,' where about a dozen Mexican-looking chefs, dressed in white chef uniforms, were preparing food in an open kitchen visible from outside.
Corigliano, who had queued at the end of a long line, spoke.
"This place is always crowded whenever you come. Don't worry; it's only for takeaway, so the line will shorten soon."
Geon chuckled and replied, "I heard Professor Sharon likes this place."
Corigliano remembered Sharon for a moment before laughing.
"Sharon doesn't really like this place. Women tend to prefer a different atmosphere. There aren't many women who enjoy walking around eating takeout food. If Kay meets a woman like that, he should grab her immediately. It's nice to have a woman who finds happiness in such small things when sharing your life."
Geon chuckled slyly and said, "I always take my lady to expensive and fancy places."
Corigliano shrugged and said, "Well, if that's what you prefer. But sometimes, it's nice to have a date in a place like this."
"Ziiiiing~"
As they conversed while in line, Geon's smartphone vibrated in his pocket. Apologizing to Corigliano, Geon checked his phone screen.
'Tim Burton'
Geon showed the screen to Professor Corigliano before answering the call.
"Yes, Director. It's Kay."
"Oh, Kay. Did you watch the movie?"
"Yes, I'm on my way out with Professor Corigliano."
"How was it?"
"Uh... I don't know what to say. First of all, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity."
"Other than that, what about the movie?"
"Oh, the movie. It was really good. I dare say it was much better than the movie from 26 years ago."
"Oh really? Haha, that's good to hear. You mentioned you were going on vacation, right? Where are you going?"
"Yes, I like rock bands... so I thought of heading towards the band houses in Seattle."
"Really? It's a bit far from Seattle, but how about visiting Washington D.C?"
"Hmm... I want to visit the White House, why do you ask?"
"Johnny wants to see you."
"Johnny Depp? Really?"
"Yeah, he's right next to me, pestering when you'll come. If you don't, he says he'll come himself."
"Ah, he's with you right now?"
"Yeah, I'm barely holding him back from snatching the phone."
"Haha, alright, I'll drop by before going to Seattle."
"Okay, if you call ahead, I'll send a
car. Tell Corigliano I said hi."
"Yes, I'll tell him. Thank you very much, Director."
"Bye, Kay."
"Goodbye, Director."
Geon ended the call and laughed.
"Johnny wants to see me. He's next to Director Burton right now."
Corigliano laughed as well.
"Johnny Depp, huh? He's still as mischievous as ever."
As they continued chatting, it was their turn to order. Geon looked at the menu for a moment before speaking to Corigliano.
"I'll have one taco, please."
"Only one? What's the point of coming here if you're only having one?"
"Professor, I've never tried Mexican food before. I don't know if I'll like it."
"What about trying different things?"
"I'm sorry. I like playing the piano rather than trying new food."
Corigliano chuckled before placing his order.
"Two tacos, please."
After they received their orders, they went outside the building and found an empty spot to sit.
"You're not a man of adventure, Kay."
"I'm sorry. If I have a chance, I'll try all the dishes."
Corigliano laughed and bit into his taco.
"Then, hurry up and come to Washington D.C. You'll have a chance to try a variety of dishes."
Geon laughed and took a bite of his taco. The unique flavor spread through his mouth, making him pleasantly surprised.
"Wow... this is really delicious."
Corigliano nodded with a smile.
"I told you. Sometimes, it's worth trying something new."
As they enjoyed their tacos in the New York winter breeze, Geon felt grateful for the unexpected turn of events in his life and for the people who had become an essential part of it.