A PORTRAIT OF THE COLLECTOR AS A MATURE MAN

When he was four years old, Maria Callas took him into her arms and danced with him. At the age of twenty, long after she had departed, he began to discover her work and grew fascinated by her. He never went on holiday; every cent he made was put aside to buy recordings, books, photos, posters, and programs related to her, and money was always short. As he grew older, as he worked two jobs to make ends meet, with his misfortunes, romantic disappointments, jealous friends, and an accident that led to ten surgeries and disability, his collection grew bigger. Haunted by the two women in his life – his mother who died too young and the Diva, his constant reference and reverence – he grew and found fulfillment along with his collection. Now he feels serene, enjoying many joys and memories of his life, dreaming of the afternoon his mother will knock on his door, to share a cup of coffee. He would sacrifice everything for that moment; even his own collection.