{The Mermaid}
Date: August 15, 2014
The sun rose slowly over Athens' horizon, spreading its golden rays across the city as if melting away the gray clouds left behind by the night. I sat in the back seat of the car, pressed against the window, watching the scenery pass by with quiet contemplation. The car was driving along "Pella Pasi," a road known for its narrow streets and old trees lining the sides.
The air was filled with the scent of the nearby sea from the Piraeus area, mixed with the aroma of flowers adorning the small gardens along the way. Large trees cast their deep shadows, their green leaves gently swaying with the breeze. As we moved forward, balconies with intricate decorations and open windows displaying colorful flowers added a cozy charm to the surroundings.
Inside the car, the radio played a soothing song, and I sang along softly, savoring the peaceful moment. The lyrics resonated with me, filling the air with warmth:
"Στην καρδιά μου εσύ, αγαπημένη μου, θα είσαι πάντα εδώ..."
(In my heart, you, my beloved, will always be here…)
My father looked at me through the mirror with a warm smile, and a sense of safety filled me. His voice was gentle, like the sunlight that bathed us:
"Dad, can we stop to get some gyros from 'Georgios' Tavern'?"
I asked excitedly, eager to visit the shop I had always loved.
He replied calmly:
"Of course, my little one. We'll stop at the nearby shop soon."
The car moved slowly through the Monastiraki district, with its old alleys and vibrant atmosphere. But suddenly, everything changed. The car began to shake, and a faint noise turned into a louder one, accompanied by unexpected pressure against the seat.
"Dad! What's happening?"
I screamed, but my voice was drowned out by the escalating chaos. Screams, screeching tires, flashing lights—all merged into a whirlwind of confusion. Everything was moving so fast, and then suddenly… it all stopped.
The noise turned into an eerie silence. Through the cracked windows, I saw the bright lights of ambulances flashing in the dark.
---
The Present
Date: September 3, 2024
A decade has passed since that tragic day. Now, I am nineteen years old.
I recently moved to the "Psychiko" neighborhood in Athens due to my mother's new job. Although it's a great opportunity for her, I had wished to stay in the place where I had lived my whole life.
Our new apartment in Psychiko is relatively modern, but it hasn't given me a sense of comfort yet. From my window, I can see the cobblestone streets and trees starting to change their colors to shades of yellow and orange.
On the table beside me lay my old diary. I opened it and began reading the details of the accident that had forever changed my life. As I read, I felt as if I was reliving those moments again.
I looked out my window at the unfamiliar street. The atmosphere was quiet and cold, as if time had stopped. I closed my eyes, wishing to find a glimmer of hope in this new place that still didn't feel like home.