Kai• ros | Julian Brandt

3.

I went to Switzerland right after finishing school. I was young, stupid and naive. A head full of ideals about how my heart will find its desired happiness in Bern. The naivety persisted for the first few weeks. Until the last money, which my parents gave me for this whim of mine, left my account. Accommodation was expensive, so was food, and we probably don't even need to talk about clothes and cosmetics, which I probably spent the most on during that period.

The realization that life is not as sweet as strawberry came on my first day at work. No one stood behind me anymore, no protective hand that I could rely on in case of any problem. I was completely alone. Alone in a foreign country with a minimal amount of money.

But that's exactly what you wanted, Carlotta! My rising conscience reminded me every moment.

It wasn't quite true. Yes, I wanted to travel, to become independent. I was blinded by what a great life Bern had in store for me. I believed that I would earn a lot of money and live a royal life. Without my parents and without everyone I depended on at home in Dortmund. The money came over time, but it was nowhere near what I dreamed of. The fairy tale gradually turned into reality, and I, Carlotta Watzke, lived the life of an ordinary, average mortal.

And where am I now, a few years later? Back in Dortmund. In an apartment that doesn't belong to me. Dependent on the help of those from whom I ran away with so much desire years ago. So much for the mockery that life can sometimes give you.

As my uncle promised me, he mentioned about me to the team doctor. Word got around and in less than twenty-four hours I was waiting to sign a new employment contract. Yes, I am definitely a child of patronage and there is no point in arguing with you about it. However, this did not mean that I was going to slack off in my new job in any way. After all I knew Hans-Joachim all too well. In the blink of an eye, I would fly through the closed door of his office. Family, or not.

With my outfit for tomorrow ready, my purse packed, which contained more things than was necessary or bearable, I sat down on the couch in peace. The plan was simple - to enjoy dinner, watch an episode of Gilmore girls and get into the realm of dreams. You know it, don't you? Man intends and God changes.

One part suddenly became three, and by the time I got to bed, it was already midnight on the watch.

But apparently I wasn't the only one who preferred the life of a night owl to that of an early bird. At least that was indicated by the booming that penetrated into my apartment through the thin ceilings. Loud men's voices, throaty laughter and the clinking of glass prevented me from falling asleep.

Under normal circumstances, I would leave it at that. I myself am not one of the quietest and therefore I had no right to complain. Any other time, I would have kept my mouth shut and acepted the fact that I wouldn't slept pink one night. But not today. Definitely not today. Tomorrow was far too important for me to walk into Brackel as a kind of slob. Not to mention that I could be a pretty annoying bitch unless I got at least eight hours of good, undisturbed sleep.

I walked upstairs in my sweatshirt, pajama pants and fluffy slippers. It wasn't hard to identify the door behind which the noise was coming from.

I knocked once, twice, but still got no answer.

I let out a frustrated breath. It needed to be tightened! So I pounded on the door with a clenched fist until my call was heard and the door opened in front of me.

I looked up at the source of my problem. He was tall, powerfully built. His lips were parted in a wide smile that was a remnant of something going on behind closed doors. His eyes suddenly slid over my figure: "Jule, brother, there's some hot chick in front of the door," he announced to the interior of the apartment.