Life - happiness

I glided down the old, high staircase and ran outside. The other children in front of me and behind me. The church bells were ringing and the crocuses were shining in the sun. The schoolyard filled with joy. It was holiday.

There she was, Anny. She took my hand and we walked together through the streets of spring. Past the little bakery and the nut shop, along the main road toward home. The violets stood proudly in our front garden. The red bench, where mom always sat, sparkled in the sunlight.

Anny was my nanny. Her hair was grey and she was very gentle and calm. We sat at the tall wooden table. She brought me lemonade and I was allowed to draw. I could draw anything I wanted: trees, stars, and little dogs.

I didn't have to do it right. I didn't have to be someone. The rules of grown-ups were not yet self-evident. Anny sat across from me, reading a book. A little bee floated above the table.

Everything was so simple and wonderful. It was enough to just be there.

August 2022