In memory of our last day in London together
- Ildiko Sas
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
I still remember our last meeting in London, exactly one year ago this month. We had planned to go together to Tate Modern, to wander the galleries and share thoughts like we always did. Instead, we met at the little coffee shop at the ground level of your building, right beside the museum. That’s where you told me about your diagnosis.
I was shocked, frightened, at a loss for words - but you were the one who comforted me. You said it would be all right, that you would fight. Even in that moment, you carried such strength and hope.
You didn’t feel like going to the museum anymore, so I went in alone. Walking through the halls gave me space to breathe, to steady myself. There was an Oscar Murillo exhibition on display, which I believe you would have particularly liked - an installation exploring how people and ideas can merge like floods of water. You believed in this. I took photos and later showed them to you. I am not sure if you ever went on to see it yourself.
In the museum shop I found a small white magnet with just one word on it: YES. I bought it for you, hoping it would bring you strength and a smile every time you looked at it.
Later, in your beautiful apartment overlooking St Paul’s, the river, and the bridges, I found you with a book in your hands - Surviving Cancer. I hoped with all my heart that those words would be true for you.
We took a short walk that day as you saw me to the metro station. We agreed we would keep close. And we did. We met again when you returned home, but that day in London I will carry with me forever. We had always loved our walks and long conversations, but that one carried a special weight. I have never felt closer to you than I did then.
Paula, my dear friend, I will always carry the memory of that day, and of you - your strength, your grace, and your kindness even in the face of fear. I will remember your big, beautiful smile, bright with red lipstick - the smile that could light up everything around you.