Oh man, what a delicious daydream I had today. A sweet escape, quite literally.
Picture that…
We both take a day off, but don’t tell anyone. Early morning I grab a train, while you get in your car. We both travel to the same destination, somewhere in the middle of the distance between us. A rendez-vous point, a set hour, jointly decided in secret and excitement — today, we’re meeting for the first time.
I’m likely to arrive first while you look for parking space. It’s not a problem, more like the contrary. This way I can set the scene: me, leaning on the railing at the end of the pier, looking out to the lake — waiting for you to meet me.
As you approach, walking slowly, you notice me from afar — I’m already there, I arrived first. You can’t see my face, but you instinctively know it’s me when you see my curly hair dancing in the wind. You pause for a second before coming forward in a steady pace.
The wind is blowing in my hair, in my ears — I’m daydreaming, observing the tiny waves animating the lake. As you arrive just a few steps behind me, you pause again — take a deep breath in.
There will be a before and an after that moment. Our meeting, our union. And you know it, that’s why you take a moment — appreciative, frightened. You call my name in a low voice, but I cannot hear you — remember: the wind. You clear your throat, take another breath — before placing your hand on my lower back.
Oddly enough, I am not startled. I didn’t hear you coming, nor calling my name — but somehow I knew this hand could be no other than yours. I also take a second, a deep breath — before turning around.
And I look up. And here you are. Here I am. Here we are — finally. I smile at you, hold my grin by bitting my lip and simply say:
“Hello, you.”
I barely give you time to reply “Hello…” before hugging you, my arms grabbing as much as your back as possible, squishing you tenderly and firmly — laying my head against your chest, as if I was trying to hear your heartbeat. Maybe I am. But what I’m truly doing is taking all of you in. The deepest breath, followed by the deepest sigh of relief.
Here you are — finally.
The rest of our day can go however you want. I do have my little scenarios ready, but I won’t impose. Feeling hot? Let’s grab an Italian ice cream — so I can lick it and make eye contact with you. Temperature rising? Let’s drive to a wooden area — far from the city, just you and me. I don’t mean just for the shade. I mean, you know!
So what do you say, let’s escape for a day?