Dear Soul Reader,
These words were not written for you. Or… maybe they were?
Sometimes stories find their way to those who were not looking for them. They simply appear in their hands, like a forgotten letter, which, nonetheless, is opened exactly when it is needed.
So, if you're here, stay a little longer. Avarka's story won't always be simple, and perhaps it won't always be clear at first glance. But somewhere deep down – I believe – there is a piece of it in you too, somewhere that you need to find…
I stand on the bridge, listening to the song of the blackbird.
I want to cross to the other side, but the sidewalk is a minefield, covered in puddles. The cars don't make it any easier – they love splashing me, as if they enjoy seeing me stand soaked at the edge of the road in a faded red raincoat. While everyone hurries home, I wander aimlessly. I've lost track of which restaurant I'm supposed to meet my friend at, and it's an accomplishment that I didn't mix up the dates.
My shoes are completely soaked when I spot her.
– Avarka, hello! – Elis quickly jumped toward me, hugged me, and practically dragged me along. – I knew you were walking with your eyes shut again – she grinned, with her usual sarcastic smile.
– Well, it's not very nice to make fun of a soaked pigeon – I said, pointing to my coat.
– Oh, darling, you look more like a poorly colored coloring book – she laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the restaurant. – What's with that horrible red coat?
– Well known, neither my sense of direction nor my luck is exactly remarkable – she smirked, and we were already inside the restaurant.
The restaurant, the green door, the Joybringer sign – everything was familiar.
– Oh, I've been here before – I remarked, scanning the surroundings. The place was exactly as I remembered it.
– It didn't seem that way to me – Elis responded with her usual exaggerated grimace, which I mirrored with the same expression. The place was bustling with people, but the friendly atmosphere filled the air.
– Ta-da-da-da! Welcome to your first and last farewell party! – Elis laughed, pulling me to her family, who greeted me warmly, and the mood immediately lifted.
The love of family has always brought balance to my life. They raised me as if I were their own. They always supported me, like a second family. But now, as I stand on my own feet, I'm about to step into another world. My destiny, which I must build. My whole world fits into a suitcase, and a little part of everything stays behind. One last shared meal… painful, but necessary.
The last moments at the airport…
I dropped off my suitcase, when suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
– Excuse me, this is my seat! – A woman looked at me angrily, pushing her boarding pass under my nose.
– I'm sorry, but there must be some misunderstanding. This is my seat! – I replied.
Then, a familiar blonde woman stepped onto the plane, wearing sunglasses, with a ridiculously familiar look.
– Oh, ladies, let's not start arguing! And by the way, that hairstyle really suits you – she looked at the other woman. – I hope you don't want my friend to fix it for you.
– Elis… – I looked at her, still not entirely understanding the situation.
– We'll leave this seat for you, it must be uncomfortable – she shot a cynical glance at the stranger, then turned to me. – Avarka, darling, let's go! – Elis desperately pulled me forward, while the other woman awkwardly smiled.
Finally, I ended up in a comfortable seat in first class.
Before I could settle, a uniformed man wearing sunglasses sat across from me. I felt this journey would not be a quiet one.