A sem ti povedal (Did I ever tell you)

Chapter 10: Call me little sunshine

Elin woke up from her alarm clock. Her awakening marked by a graceless sprawl of limbs and a sleepy yawn. She stretched her body, casting off the last remnants of sleep, as sunlight filtered through the window, painting her bedroom in a soft glow. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and sat upright.

Still clad in her sleeping attire she padded towards her small kitchen, her bare feet against the cold tiles. She brewed herself some fresh coffee and poured it inside of her favourite mug.

Time was not on Elin’s side today, she downed the last of the coffee and headed into her bathroom, discarding her pyjama’s on the floor and slipping into a pair of dark blue jeans. Their worn fabric hugging her legs. To complement the casuality of the jeans Elin chose to wear a light blue silk blouse, the cool fabric sliding over her body accentuating her body in a subtle manner. She looked in the mirror, her hair was still a dishevelled mess, quickly she grabbed her brush and brushed it until her short bob fell neatly in place. Today was a no make-up day.

Ready to face the day, Elin headed to the door, retrieving her trusty bicycle that awaited her outside. With practiced ease, she mounted the bike, her feet gliding effortlessly along the pedals. The rhythmic motion of cycling brought a sense of freedom and clarity to her mind, the cool breeze brushing against her face as she navigated the streets with confidence.

Arriving at the majestic Rijksmuseum, Elin parked her bike with a sense of accomplishment. She entered the bustling building, her steps carrying a lightness that mirrored the excitement bubbling within her. She exchanged warm greetings with her colleagues, the energy of the museum enveloping her like a comforting embrace.

Seeking a second dose of caffeine to fuel her day, Elin made her way to the coffee station, deftly pouring herself another cup of coffee. She relished the warmth that spread through her as she took a sip, feeling revitalized and ready to tackle the challenges that awaited her. Cup in hand, Elin made her way to her little office, a sanctuary of knowledge and curiosity. Surrounded by stacks of books and papers, she delved into her research, her mind engaged and focused. Time seemed to slip away as she immersed herself in the world of art and history, her passion fuelling her dedication.

…

Meanwhile Jan took a deep breath, his heart pounding with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. He had made up his mind, he would return to the Rijksmuseum to seek out Elin again. He needed to know if the connection between them had been real.

As he stepped out onto the bustling streets, Jan couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. With each passing block Jan’s mind raced, replaying their encounter the other day and imagining the possibilities that lay ahead. He couldn’t shake the feeling that fate had brought them together, and he was determined not to let the opportunity slip away from him.

Jan arrived at the Rijksmuseum and entered the grand entrance. He glanced around, searching for any sign of Elin. He reached for his phone to text Kris.

Hey Kris, I made it to the museum. I'm getting a bit anxious. Any last-minute advice?

You've got this, man! Just be yourself and show her what an amazing guy you are. Good luck!

Kris replied. Jan took a deep breath, appreciating the encouragement from his friend. He pocketed his phone and walked up to the information desk.
‘Excuse me, is Elin in today?’ Jan asked. His voice sounded a little unsure, but luckily the lady behind the desk didn’t notice it too much. ‘Let me check for you, one moment please.’ She made a call and Jan anxiously waited for the response. After a brief conversation, the lady hung up and turned to Jan with an apologetic look on her face. ‘I am sorry, but Elin is currently busy in a meeting, would you like me to relay a message for her?’