LyraLyra Gabriel
Let go
Nora hasn't been able to sleep for days. Between the slats of the blinds, the streetlamp casts bright points of light on the wall, next to the light patterns of the headlights of those looking for a parking space, which go out when the engine is switched off, but not her thoughts.
Why did Johannes end the relationship without giving reasons? He didn't want to have to explain himself, didn't want to talk, and had blocked her on all social media channels.
She only has one thought in an endless loop: I can't go on, I can't go on, I have to get out of this flat, get away!
That night, she jumps out of bed, lights a cigarette, and puts it out again after a few puffs.
She frantically gets dressed, gathers some clothes and cosmetics, throws everything into a travelling bag, grabs her keys and purse, both of which are on the shoe cupboard in the hallway, and pulls open the door to the stairwell. Lock the door? Why should she? She runs down the stairs.
The front door is wide open; as usual, none of the residents have released the doorstop.
Hastily, she runs away, away, through the park towards the main railway station, which she can already see.The station concourse is deserted. There is an ICE train at ground level on platform 1.
She boards the train as if in a trance.
Breathless, she sinks into a seat in an empty compartment to the left of the entrance door and throws her travelling bag onto the other seat by her side.
Almost relieved, she exhales deeply, leans back, and closes her eyes.
She doesn't care where she's going or that she hasn't bought a ticket. She just wants to get away.
As the train stops with screeching brakes, Nora is startled. She had fallen asleep; it was already light outside.
She grabs her bag and gets off the train.
Drowsy, she stands on the platform. She almost smiles as she reads on the station sign that she is in the mountains.
Nora leaves the station with lighter steps than a few hours ago.
The day has already begun in the small town. The doors of the stores are open, advertising signs on the sidewalks.
There are tables in front of a small bakery. Nora sits down and orders a coffee and a croissant.
After the first sip of coffee, she is relaxed and calm inside, watching the street become livelier.
When she pays, she asks for a cheap place to stay. The friendly baker shows her the way to a small hotel—you can't miss it—a white building with blue-painted windows and doors.
It has become warm. She sweats slightly as she steps in front of the white building with the blue-painted window frames. A sign above the blue door reads ‘Blue Hotel’.
Reception is not manned. Nora looks for the ladies' toilet; she hadn't washed at home; at least she wants to freshen up her face and brush her teeth before she checks in.
As soon as she enters the washroom, she hears a woman's voice: ‘Wait, let me help you!’ There, now you've done it.’
Nora turns around in astonishment as an elderly lady comes out of one of the toilet cubicles alone and asks her, ‘Are you a new guest?’
The reception wasn't staffed, but I'm staying here,’ explains Nora.
Good, then why don't you come and have a cup of tea with me tonight, room 3. I'm a regular guest at this hotel.
Nora dries her face with a paper towel and replies, perhaps quietly, ‘Thank you.
She opens the door to the reception hall. The reception desk is now manned.
Nora books an overnight stay.
The key for room 4 is handed to her with a remark: ‘Don't be put off by our dear guest, Mrs. Hold; she has been talking to her deceased spouse for years.’
Where is the loud ringing and knocking coming from?
Nora is startled; she looks around deranged.
She is at home in her bed and has only been dreaming.
As she pulls up the blinds of her bedroom window and opens it, she knows that the dream experience should make her realize that letting go is a new beginning.
© all rights reserved by Lyra, 1st August 2024
Toutes les droites appartiennent à son auteur Il a été publié sur e-Stories.org par la demande de LyraLyra Gabriel.
Publié sur e-Stories.org sur 15.09.2024.
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