What is silient in Warsaw

Chapter 2- Reflections and discoveries

The day after meeting David, Clara woke up with her heart still full of vibrant emotions. It was as if the sensations of the previous day still had the power to cradle her in their embraces, leading her towards a world of possibilities and discoveries. Since she had returned home, she had done nothing but think about everything that had happened: the adrenaline was still burning in her veins and, for a reason unknown to her, she was looking forward to the moment when she could again going out all alone like she had done the previous day.That feeling of freedom had awakened new curiosity in her and never, not even in Hamburg, had she felt so full of life.He slowly opened his eyes, letting the morning light filter softly through the curtains of his room. A light sigh touched his lips as he stretched gracefully under the covers, letting himself be enveloped by the warmth of the duvet as if in a hug. In one fluid motion, Clara rose from the bed and walked over to the window, opening it wide to let in the fresh morning air.He breathed deeply, staring into space as the morning sun gently illuminated the room. Despite the smell of breakfast coming from the kitchen, she didn't feel the need to eat, but only to be with herself. She didn't want to hear her mother's recommendations, or Liesel's panicked ravings mixed with excitement about wedding preparations. Ever since Klaus had proposed to her during a dinner when they were in Hamburg, they had talked about nothing else. Clara tried in every way to deflect the topic, but she knew well that her entire family was waiting for that moment as the most important event of their lives."What a joy to see a daughter getting married," her mother kept repeating, bringing her hands together to her face and her eyes shining, every time Liesel tried on the white dress. He really couldn't understand how everyone could be thrilled to see his sister about to leave her home forever.She shook her head to recover from that state of shock that had accompanied her for an indecipherable time: the day had just begun and she felt the need to occupy her mind with something to silence all those incomprehensible voices that had begun to rummage inside her. she. He turned to the dresser, and his attention was drawn to the books he had bought the day before, waiting to be read during the holidays. With a slow and deliberate movement, Clara approached and delicately took one in her hands: Anna Karenina, by Tolstoy. The words of her professor, Mr. Kowalski, immediately came to mind, "It's a long and challenging novel, but I'm sure you'll be able to appreciate it." The cover gave a simple but evocative beauty. Made of an elegant cream-colored linen fabric, it was enriched with refined details that gave the book an aura of prestige and importance. In the center of the cover, in golden letters and carefully bound, the title of the novel stood out, written with a timeless elegance that evoked images of a Russia of the era and of forbidden loves. Around the title, a delicate floral ornament intertwined with leaves and flowers in relief adorned the cover, adding a touch of grace and romance. The intricate details were made even more enchanting by the light that reflected on the surfaces, creating an effect of brilliance and refinement that caught the eye of anyone who observed it. On the underside, in small letters, appeared the author's name, Leo Tolstoy. The book exuded a sense of mystery and promise, inviting anyone who viewed it to be transported into the engaging and compelling story of Anna Karenina.With a sigh, Clara opened the book and let the words flow before her eyes. It was as if the pages were coming to life under her fingers, transporting her into a world of overwhelming passions and intertwined destinies. The hours passed quickly as the girl immersed herself completely in the story of Anna Karenina, letting herself be carried away by the stories of the characters and the profound reflections on the complexities of love and life. Every word, every sentence seemed to speak directly to his heart, awakening dormant emotions and fueling his thirst for knowledge and experience. And so, Clara continued reading, devouring page after page with an intensity she had never felt before.Completely immersed in reading, she let time pass until she was suddenly interrupted by a soft knock on her bedroom door. He looked up from the book with a slight frown of confusion, feeling a sense of disorientation at having to abandon the enthralling world of Tolstoy.-"Clara, dear, it's lunch time"- her mother's voice announced softly, filtering through the half-open door. –"And there is a surprise for you"-. Clara felt a shiver of excitement run down her spine at the announcement of the surprise, her heart beating faster in her chest as she quickly rose from the bed. She left the book on the nightstand with a sigh of reluctance and approached the door with a light step, the crisp air of anticipation dancing in the air around her. When she opened the door, her mother's smile greeted her with warmth and affection, while her eyes shone with a mysterious glow of enthusiasm.-"What is it, mother?"- he asked, his heart beating faster in anticipation of the surprise.Her mother smiled at her, gently taking her hand and leading her out of the room. –"Come with me and you will find out"- he said mysteriously, letting the secret multiply in the air like a promise of joy.Clara followed her mother with her heart in her mouth, letting herself be carried away by the feeling of waiting and anticipation. He crossed the threshold of the dining room with a rapid heartbeat, letting himself be enveloped by the welcoming and familiar atmosphere that pervaded the room. A glimpse of warm smiles and cheerful voices greeted her as she approached the laid table, the inviting scent of food tickling her nostrils with promises of culinary delights. His mother had always been a great cook and, especially when there were guests, she enjoyed cooking. Liesel gave her a fond smile, while Klaus nodded at her, his face lit up with a look of mysterious excitement.-"Clara, you're finally here!"-her sister exclaimed flirtatiously, standing up to hug her affectionately. -"We have a surprise for you."-"What's the surprise?" Clara asked, her voice confused but excited. Her family knew well how much she loved surprises.Her father stood up, holding the glass in his hand and raising it to point at Liesel and Klaus.-"Tomorrow we will leave for Hamburg for the Christmas holidays!" he exclaimed, with a radiant smile. Clara hinted at a grimace, mixed between happiness and awareness. She imagined that she would spend the holidays in her hometown, even if no one had told her until then had never confirmed. But as the father continued to speak, a shadow of melancholy began to creep into his heart – "And not only that," he continued in an enthusiastic tone, "we will stay a little longer than expected because Liesel's wedding will be celebrated there!"-A festive air suddenly invaded the house, but while joy poured into the hearts of those present like a flood, Clara also felt another emotion mixing with her state of mind. It was like a false note in a perfect symphony, a sense of uneasiness that crept into her happiness and made her shiver. Tears streamed down her eyes as emotion and happiness collided with a strange feeling of loss. Her sister's marriage meant that the time spent with her would be limited, and Clara suddenly realized that she would have to share it with her future husband.-"Do you think about it, little sister? Let's go back to our home, to the church where we went every Sunday."- Liesel's voice seemed like a distant echo.-"It's wonderful news, dad."- he limited himself to saying in a voice suffocated by emotion, trying to hide the tears that threatened to overflow. -"Thank you."-Her father smiled at her, coming closer to hug her affectionately. "You will have a lot of fun. It will be an unforgettable holiday."-Lunch resumed with the usual joy, alternating laughter with worries on the part of Liesel and her mother about the little time available to prepare everything for departure. In all that confusion, Clara had once again entered a catatonic state, immersed in her thoughts. He looked up from his half-eaten plate and gave his father a worried look. –"Dad, but... won't we return too late from Hamburg? I mean, I'll have to get back in time to start lessons with Mr. Kowalski again."-He smiled at her kindly, putting down his fork to look at his daughter. –"I understand your doubts, Clara, and I know how much you care about returning in time to resume lessons with your professor. But don't worry, we'll be back in time. We have already planned everything."-The girl smiled, relieved by her father's words. He was a man of his word, he could be trusted, but at the same time, for some reason, in the echo of the news of Liesel's marriage, the meeting with David also came to mind.After sharing a peaceful and reassuring lunch with her family, Clara retreated to her room, letting the door close behind her with a soft thud. She sank onto the bed with a deep sigh, letting the quiet of the room envelop her like a warm blanket. But despite the welcoming atmosphere, the girl felt pervaded by a strange restlessness that had crept into her heart ever since she woke up. It was as if something in the air vibrated with an invisible tension, echoing his turbulent thoughts and disordered emotions. She sat on the bed, hugging her knees to her chest as she tried to name the elusive feeling that was plaguing her soul. It was a mixture of excitement and fear, joy and sadness, which blended together in an indissoluble tangle of conflicting emotions. Clara closed her eyes and tried to focus on the calm rhythm of her breathing, trying to find calm in the heart of the storm raging inside her. But even as she struggled to tame the whirlwind of thoughts invading her mind, she knew there was something deep and meaningful behind that sense of unease.But even in the midst of that emotional storm, Clara couldn't ignore the insistent thoughts of David creeping into the recesses of her mind. It was as if his presence hovered in the air around her, a promise of future adventures and encounters that would change the course of her life. With a sigh of frustration, Clara rose from the bed and walked over to the window, letting her gaze wander beyond the fogged glass to the distant horizon.Anna Karenina had lost track of the last page she read before going to lunch. Without thinking twice he approached the wardrobe, looking for something quick and warm to wear. Once ready, she grabbed her coat and hat, ready to face the bitter cold of the Warsaw winter. With a determined step, he walked out of his room and down the stairs. He looked around, but there was no one left in the house.He then stepped out with a deep breath, feeling the crisp air caress his face gently. The biting cold filled her lungs as she walked towards the bookcase, her heart beating in unison with the rhythm of her steps. As she walked the streets of Warsaw, Clara felt alive and full of hope. She didn't know what awaited her at the bookstore, or why she had decided to go there. She walked briskly along the now familiar streets, but her desire to reach her goal had made her deviate from her usual paths, and so she found herself in a labyrinth of alleys and winding streets.After walking for a while, Clara realized she was lost. She looked around with a growing sense of frustration, searching for a landmark that could show her the way to the library. Time passed relentlessly, and Clara felt anxiety rising in her chest as she struggled to stay calm.Finally, after a series of turns and intersections, he saw the familiar shape of the bookstore on the horizon. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she quickened her pace, her heart beating in unison with the rhythm of her steps. But when he reached the door of the bookshop, his heart sank into an abyss of disappointment.It was closed.Clara looked through the glass door with wide eyes, trying in vain to see any sign of life inside, but it was dark and deserted.A sense of despondency pervaded her as she slumped against the door, breathing hard in her chest as she tried to face the disappointment that enveloped her like a cold blanket. All her efforts seemed in vain, and for a moment, she felt as if she had been betrayed by her own hopes and desires. But even as disappointment threatened to swallow her whole, Clara clung tenaciously to hope. Maybe the bookstore would be open at another time, maybe she would have another chance to meet David.