The One who sees you – Part 2

Suddenly, I lose my courage. What am I doing here? Has my loneliness driven me so far that I’m not even afraid of harassing my neighbours at Christmas? Just as I’m about to turn around, the light in the hallway goes on. It’s now or never. With a trembling hand I press the bell button next to the solid wooden door.

Mrs. Meyerling opens and the warmth flows out of the house into the cold evening.

“What brings you here, my dear?”

“Merry Christmas,” I reply and present the bag of cinnamon stars to her.

Mrs. Meyerling accepts them with shining eyes. “Oh, that’s so lovely! Well, come in!”

She leads me into the living room. “Sit down next to the tiled stove. It’s nice and warm there.”

I obediently settle down in the armchair and enjoy the crackling of the fire close to my ear.

“It’s so nice that you come to visit me,” Mrs. Meyerling murmurs softly and hands me a plate of homemade Christmas biscuits. I nod because the lump in my throat won’t let me get a word in edgewise.

“Since my husband died, I’ve been very lonely, you know? And this year my children don’t have time for me either. But that’s all right. When the children grow up, they live their own lives.”

Mrs. Meyerling tries to say it lightheartedly, but I can’t help noticing how she furtively wipes a tear from the corner of her eye.

“I must admit that I’m glad I don’t have to celebrate Christmas alone. What about you? Does your boyfriend not have time for you either?”

I shake my head silently.

“I’m sorry about that, dear. But we’ll have a nice time anyway.”

Again I nod and reach for a Christmas biscuit.

“Oh no, I don’t have a present for you at all!” Mrs. Meyerling exclaims suddenly. “And I’ve already forgotten your name again! I’m not getting any younger!” she laughs.

Finally, I find my voice again. “Katha-.” No, not today.

“My name is ‘The One who sees you’.”