As the South wind breathed springtime into Stuttgart once again, the rains washed away the snow and cold and ushered in a warm and sunny April. In the nurturing rays of the sun, the grasses and leaves exploded across the city in splashes of emerald. Spring flowers popped up their sleepy heads in neighbourhood gardens in vibrant hues while wildflowers danced in the meadows at the edge of the city. The busy downtown streets resounded with the energetic voices of the many people who walked there. Life had finally returned to the city that had slept for months.
On a particularly beautiful day, hung with blue skies and awash in sunshine, Ghassan rode alone in the back of a taxi. He was on his way back, his first visit of the year, to Wilhelma. He watched, stoically, through the taxi window as it ticked by the bones of the city he had grown to love and despise. In a few days he would return to Syria with his engineering degree and may never, as far as he knew, return to Stuttgart. If there was any part of the city he wanted to take home with him, it was the unmatched beauty of Wilhelma Park. He knew, however, today’s visit there would be bittersweet.
Ghassan had made a point of ignoring the empty seat beside him. But he couldn’t help thinking back to a year ago when he brought Alexandra to the park. He smiled as he remembered the excitement that was in her eyes and the flush that coloured her cheeks. She had been such a perfect vision of beauty that day. She had been everyday, in fact, but from that particular day his mind held an exquisite memory of her. But the memory quickly became painful and he turned his attentions once again to the streets. He was pleased to see the grandeur of Rosenstein Park rising before him and finally the intricate fence of Wilhelma not far in the distance.
—–
Against their exotic backdrop, the magnificent magnolias of Wilhelma reigned in blossom over the Moorish Gardens just as they had the year before and likely many years before that. Butterflies fluttered from flower to flower, birds sang in harmony with the breezes, and the waters in the enormous reflecting pool shimmered with diamonds of sunlight. Infused with a dream of perfection, of heaven, the park drew Ghassan along its meandering paths. He ambled with a carefree appearance but inside his heart began to ache as he approached the magnolias. The scene was unbalanced without her there. But he continued forward as if walking against a gale – a strong wind of regret and loss.
The day she left for Scotland was forever branded in his memory. Over and over in his mind he saw her walking out to the plane beside her father, her red hair tossing in the December wind, her blue coat wrapped tightly around her. He had stood powerless. Before she left, he tried everything to convince her to stay with him. But she had to go. Why he could never fully understand. But there she went. As he thought about her father, he remembered, resentfully, the fateful day of her father’s arrival in Stuttgart. How they had fought so hard to be together but to know end. Later he had tried to convince himself that their love wasn’t meant to be. That she simply hadn’t been the right girl. But that didn’t work for he knew in his heart that she was. And now he stood steeped in the most powerful memory he had of her.
As the magnolia petals of Wilhelma Park swirled and danced in the air before him, he made a decision. He would delay his return home and go to Scotland. He would not leave until she came with him.
Mariyah
abufares
abufares said,
March 7, 2009 at 11:45 am
It’s about time Gus. Go get her and bring her home where she always belonged.
yaser said,
March 7, 2009 at 12:55 pm
the sweet memories gave Ghassan strength, and he will make things right the way they were supposed to be all from the start..
Gabriela said,
March 7, 2009 at 7:31 pm
There has to be an answer as to why Alexandra left Stuttgart so resigned.
On the other hand, did you know Abufares had birthday recently?
http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/03/05/arab-world-birthday-food-for-thought/
So, happy birthday to Abufares… a little delayed though.
Mariyah said,
March 7, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Gabriela, you’ll find out the answer soon!
I did, indeed, know about Abu Fare’s birthday. Thank you. And yes, you must visit his blog…it is very worth reading. Good to see you as always!
abufares said,
March 7, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Mariyah,,, mmmmh?
You wouldn’t mind if I invite Gabriela over to my blog would you?
Gabriela
Thank you for wishing me a happy birthday and I look forward your visit to my blog. You can always ask Mariyah. She’ll tell you that I’m a very nice guy indeed
Mariyah said,
March 7, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Ghassan has a cheering section…yeah!!
Thanks, guys!!
fantasiaspillowtalk said,
March 16, 2009 at 5:11 pm
OK …. I am on the edge of my seat!!!
Mariyah said,
March 16, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I promise to write more soon!! Thanks for coming by Fantasia!!
Katia said,
March 23, 2009 at 12:16 am
Mariyah… come on, craving some more over here!
Mariyah said,
March 25, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Yes, Katia…I know, I know!! I’m trying to get to it and I will soon!!! I promise.
jilliancyork said,
March 30, 2009 at 5:59 am
I second Katia! I’ve been checking my RSS reader more often than usual in the hopes of a Ghassan and Alexandra update!
Mariyah said,
March 30, 2009 at 6:30 am
Ok, ok!! I promise an update within the next 3 days!! I’m so sorry to keep you waiting.