Since I was a good girl
and went to bed early I woke up as usual, and Staffan and I and
cousin Birgitta had breakfast together. Then Staffan took Birgitta to
the railway station and went to do more shopping (that is, making
purchases), while I had another cup of coffee with Sergej with the
two little girls efficiently preventing us from talking. They were
very excited because they were going to a circus that day. I tried to
pay for the coffee and soft drinks, but the waiter said it was on the
house. Given the bill we had paid, a cup of coffee here or there
didn't make much difference, but it was nice of him.
Then we went over to
Julia's. They had moved last autumn, and we had not been in their new
apartment. It was light and decorated with great taste – not that I
had expected anything else. I could tell that there had been some
negotiations, but I could also feel that they both love the space
they have created together. Some of their common and individual
hobbies were tangibly present. I made myself stop being envious. Not
envious as I am now, but envious for me thirty years ago. I am in
fact happy that my daughter has a room of her own.
Then the guests started
coming, and there were hugs and presents and flowers “for the
hostess”. Julia had made some canapés
and cupcakes, and there was sparkling which I carefully avoided
having in mind flying in just a few hours. Most of the friends hadn't
seen each other for years, possibly since our farewell party almost
four years ago. They obviously enjoyed talking to each other. I kept
looking at the clock and trying to figure out how much of the
presents I would be able to pack in our already full suitcases. I had
to leave behind a huge painting that my sister-in-law had sent, one
from Staffan's childhood home. I like it, and it would go well with
other art we have, but it will have to be another time.
I had to hint to some
friends that we actually had a plane to catch, which they found weird
(one friend had sent apologies because she was travelling the day
after), but then they know we are weird. We left three bottles of
expensive wine to Julia and Pontus since there was no way we could
take it with us.
The drive to the airport
was painless, and we arrived an hour before check-in even started so
we had a light and quite decent dinner. The departure hall brought
the memories of four years ago when Julia had taken me to the
airport, and all bridges had been burned. I made the memory go away.
This time we were returning home.
To be continued.
My wonderful in-laws Elise and Christian took pictures.
2 comments:
The necklace Masja!... I need a story about that one! Lydia
The necklace is a gift from our daughter Lisa and family. I wish there was a story, but I will have to invent one. But it is a good reflection of my successive multitasking, isn't it?
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