Snow Falling - The English translation of Autumn Leaves

December

One cold morning in December, Amsterdam was lit up by white flakes covering the many small streets and rooftops. God blessed us with a tremendous amount of snow. Winter break started today and Christmas was incoming. A young student was woken early by the barking of her dog staring at the window, eager to go outside. She opened her eyes in confusion, asking herself the question 'why me?'. She rolled out of bed and dragged herself to the large window where her dog Max was pressed against. She shivered, looking down at her nude and cold feet.

After a long and hot shower, she decided to take Max outside for a rather short walk. He was so excited to dive into the snow like a child would be after his first time meeting mr. Frost and his doings. And he definitely was like a child to her. She got him when she first moved out of her parental home to go study and live in Amsterdam. As alone as she was, she needed a new companion to accompany her on her journey called 'college'. She got many nights of comfort out of her new buddy, after break ups, fights with friends or on just plain lonely nights.

She, on the other hand, had a long term hate-love relationship with the cold weather. Of course, she loved to be outside and take walks with her dog, wandering across the white blanket that would cover Holland, but it was the cold that could freeze off her toes that she dreaded. After Max did his business, she would take him inside again, his little paws shivering from standing on the cold ground for too long.

Today she would leave for the exchange program the university was offering. Of course London was on top of her list due to the amazing reputation of this grand city. Yes, the crème de la crème of scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, you name it! It was a dream coming true for this upcoming sociologist inspired by the works of the great economist Karl Marx and others.

She just finished packing when her best friend called to wish her good luck on her trip. They chatted for a while, cried of course, and said their goodbyes. Now it was time to say goodbye to her little Max, who she'd drop off at a dog kennel. With a light smile she kissed his nose. "I'll come back for you Maxi.", she whispered, closing the door of the kennel behind her. Sad but excited she continued her journey to the Airport near Amsterdam, Schiphol, where she'd catch her flight to London. This would be her first time alone, without the company of her beloved friend. The thought sent chills down her spine, looking back one last time with somewhat regret that she left dear Max all alone. Quickly she rubbed her eyes, catching the tears before falling onto her cheeks.

Her arrival on the airport was a bit messy and confusing. After all this was her first journey alone. On the plane she looked for her seat and found herself in the back of the plane. Next to her was a charming but funny looking man with bright icy blue eyes. They pierced through her as his gaze stumbled upon hers. She sat down quickly and still felt his eyes on her. What a creep. She fiddled her earphones and put on some music to keep her mind off the possible awkwardness that would erupt if she didn't . While staring out of her window, the plane took off. London was only two hours away from Amsterdam but it still felt like a big step to her. She left her dog, family and friends behind for this opportunity, so it better be worth it.

Half way through the flight the man that was seated next to her tapped her on the shoulder, asking her to turn the volume of her music down. He had been staring at her for over an hour now. Thrown off, she did as he said. "Thank you miss.", he said, never loosing eye contact with her. She nodded carefully and awkwardly looked the other way, knowing he was still looking at her with his icy blue eyes.

London city airport was near. The air on the plane was colder than she'd expect. Shivering she put on her jacket, well aware that the man was still looking her way. Then, she suddenly took her earphones out. "What?", she asked him as the plane hit the ground. "Sorry, I've been wanting to ask you if you could help me find my suitcase when we get off the plane. It was just so damn hard asking you since you were busy", he replied. Somewhat in disbelief she offered to help him because she could use some company right now. After the full two hours she missed Max immensely, questioning whether she should have dropped him off at her parents' house instead of the dog kennel.

Together they went to look for their suitcases, warming up to each others company. "Well, that's mine.", she said, pointing at the light blue suitcase with a tiny globe on it. He got her suitcase off and also scooped up another one, probably his. They went outside together and he offered her to split a taxi to the centre of London. She agreed because it would be way cheaper than taking two separate taxis. During the ride he told her that he is a businessman working in the city centre of London. He also knew where to drop her off so she could easily head for the university campus. Gratefully she agreed with him because she had no idea that this would be way faster.

After a while they stopped in a parking garage. "Let me get your suitcase.", the man offered, getting out of the car when she did. "Thank you so much!", she exhaled while she took her suitcase from him. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist firmly and took out some cloth which he pressed against her mouth and nose. She tried to get loose, struggling and panicking, clawing at him when suddenly she felt lightheaded and then everything went black.