23/24

It was the perfect way to end the year, one could say, to spend the final days with my mom, curled up under cozy blankets, binge-watching TV shows, and eating a lot of chocolate. After a few blissful days, the route back was waiting for me, even if I managed to convince myself it wasn't that far—on average, I need six hours to travel a distance of over 400 kilometers.
The well-known railway tracks were bathed in the sun's rays and shrouded in a thick layer of fog, and the camera ofc traveled with me. I couldn't bear missing this morning view, so I quickly unpacked the backpack that was laying on the sidewalk, took a few shots, and then returned it to safety as the sound of the train could be heard from a short distance away.

Entering the warm bowels of the train was preceded by a tight hug and a silent "take care of yourself". I know she didn't want me to leave, but she doesn't know how torn I am between here and there.

After New Year's Eve, 02.01 - my first outing, I ignored the first day of it, knowing that there was not a soul outside and that the air still smelled of the remnants of piracy, but that's why I spent the day watching movies (absolutely not the cliche Christmas ones that repeated every season), eating cookies, occasionally dozing off. I awoke to the sight of the fog, the same one that accompanied me to the platform, and decided to go for a short walk, despite the fact that dear darling had decided to stay at home, I went out, in most cases I would drop that idea and stay with him, guess it's because of that discomfort that I wander the streets alone - except for, not this time.

One coffee, another coffee, the fog had already disappeared while I was already wandering around the street wrapped in a thick shawl. The few people seen had their own goal and they hurried towards it, a couple of open shops could not match the majority on which the padlocks still were hanging dreamily.

To the park! If no one else is there, I know that pesky pair of swans is for sure. It's not that I don't like them, but I'm just used to their presence, and on one occasion I had a fight with a male when he chased me off the stairs going down to the lake with a hissing signal - it seems that I will never forgive him for that gesture.

The sun's rays were breaking on the calm surface of the water, hell for my bright eyes, so at some moments I seemed to cry. I didn't give up on the scene with a squinting look, my foot resting on the wall that separated the water from the land, the silence that fills the park and the occasional sound of a hungry crow that was happily feasting on a piece of thrown pastry behind me.
The two grandmas tried to summon up the elegant, aimless couple floating in the lake and offered them pieces of bread, but it was clear that they were not hungry.

Inspired by the shimmer of the drops as they gently flowed down the bare branches, I kept walking around the lake toward the same staircase that I had been banished from. Squinting in one eye proved useful for me to prevent my eyes from watering again. I spent the rest of the stroll focusing just on the shine, looking through the camera for shots.

The belligerent male remained on a safe distance, and I was able to take a little pause on the stairs to observe how water staggers the sun's rays on its surface. From my angle I could see only the shadowy outlines. Without a phone, without a watch, having no idea how much time had passed, I got up and continued on my way behind the more than happy Maltese who was sitting on a leash.

The wet layer of fallen leaves made every step more comfortable, and both the Maltese and I took a joint break under the pine needles, while I tried to aim the glistening droplets, he wallowed in the thick layer of moisture behind me making the noise of satisfaction, the owners laughed at his goofy behavior, I was walking away, sending them off with a smile.

@monochromes, this is my entry for the #monomad challenge, thank you all for your time and interest in what I do.

...and not to forget, Happy new round ya all!
🥂