It's been a long, long time now. I hardly remember it. Only when she was standing in front of me again - Isabelle! I didn't recognize her at first. The red curls were shorn short, the freckles on the nose seemed to have gone and even so there was hardly any life in her body. But the eyes shone like before. Was it you who reminded me of our time or your question about a cookie?
The pictures came to life before my eyes. I saw myself sitting on the wall of the orphanage, thinking, when a scornful laugh and doubtful shouts rang out nearby. A small bunch of boys ran after a girl, laughing. She wasn't exactly handsome. The fiery red hair curled unruly, the face covered with freckles, as if a painter had applied paint with a brush. The figure was chubby and she seemed slightly awkward. But her eyes shone like the wide sea in a deep green.
The boys caught them. Teased the girl, poked her in the dust and took what she had been gripping tightly until then - a small silver cookie jar.I watched this spectacle for a while when her gaze lifted and met me. So I jumped off the wall and stepped into the circle. The boys didn't know what to do and they lost the fun. So they threw away the can and left.
Isabelle - yes, that was the first word she said to me. I picked her up and brushed the dust off her apron.
Isabelle - just that word again, breathed so gently and sobbing. I pressed the can into her hands and wanted to turn away. But again she looked up and I plunged into the green full of fascination.
Isabelle - it rang for the third time and I answered her - Seto.
With trembling hands, she handed me a biscuit. I don't know why I accepted it!
It was delicious, tasted like chocolate and cinnamon. We went down to the river together and sat on the grass. Soon we were lying head to head, looking up at the clouds, and were silent. Every day. We talked about our dreams together.And then, then Isabelle straightened up and looked me in the eye. Her eyes were shiny, her cheeks flushed with zeal. This was our last day, the day she told me she was going to build a biscuit factory and name the biscuits after me. I was amused by her idea, but her expression was so serious that I soon fell silent.
You like to laugh, but if I do it then I will marry you - were her words. With a slight smile, she turned and looked into the distance with a sigh.
We'll stay together forever - she whispered softly and looked at me. Her eyes took my breath away and so I stood motionless.
But Isabelle's dreams came to nothing that evening. I was taken into a "family" and forever separated from Isabelle.
Years passed, I tasted the bitter fruits of success. Yes, I achieved my goal, which I set myself, and had become a dangerous businessman from a young age.I wanted to forget my past, didn't want to look back any more. And then? Then this young woman stood before me. Her delicate fingers trembled and clammy when she touched my hand.
You are tall - she said, smiling slightly. I did not recognize her! And then? She asked me for a cookie.
Isabelle - I whispered softly. She smiled and nodded. The abused girl had become a beautiful young woman. But what had happened to her? What had she seen in all these years? What had robbed her of her liveliness? Why did she come back to me? I wanted to close my arms and hug me, but ... my heart is cold and I don't want to know a piece of my past around me!
So I looked at her from above and wondered what to do with her. She must have felt my embarrassment, because her head sagged on her chest and a soft sigh escaped.
Why didn't I want her to go? Why did I invite her to stay with me - only tonight?Was there still hope in my heart that I could make up for my past?
I had a restless night. Images of my past haunted me and I relived my childhood. All of my thoughts, dreams and desires came back to life! Tears that had long dried up came to my eyes and an unprecedented longing was kindled in my heart. So I took a light and went through the hallways and corridors to her room. I opened the door carefully and shone inside! It was empty! The bed unused! But their smell still lingered around the room. And I could hear her voice softly.
Seto - it whispered and a warm breath brushed my ear.
Where was she? I had seen her go into that room! Her gentle smile was gone in this room! Why wasn't she here?
The day woke up while I was still sitting on the bed, keeping her hunch. Over and over again an invisible voice breathed my name, but I never saw the lips saying it.With tired limbs I got up and left. Dressed me up and left. Ace and drink and go. Went to find Isabelle - to find my past.
Now I stand here and look down at the broken pieces. I found Isabelle after a long and arduous search. But I don't understand how she came to me, because the broken pieces are lying on her stone and white flowers adorn the letters that have long since grown too much. Isabelle was with me and she brought back memories of myself. She is still with me now because the wind carries her scent - her voice to me. And I see us both lying on the grass on the bank of the river, silent.