by Anna Ruch
With a last look in the mirror I got out, took another deep breath and went towards the entrance.
"Good morning" a young woman greeted me at the reception. Everything was furnished very modern and the employee's appearance corresponded with the atmosphere in this part of the building.
"Good morning" I replied with a friendly smile. "I have an appointment with Mr. Harf at 9:00. My name is Hannah Schwarz."
"Mr. Harf will pick them up in a moment. May I ask you to sit over there for a moment?" Now also smiling, she pointed in the direction of a white seating group. I nodded to her and sat down in one of the chairs. The room, which was already more of a hall, and the floor were courageously kept in black. All other objects, however, were white. This contrast fascinated me from the first second I entered. It was simply incredible what effect this simple but also dominant combination had. On the table in front of me, white lilies were artfully draped in a lying vase.
"Mrs. Schwarz, I am very happy to see you." With powerful steps Mr. Harf, whom I had already met at a meeting outside his agency, approached me. He smiled at me and stretched out his hands to greet me. He was in his early 40s and his otherwise black hair was streaked with light grey strands. He emphasized his sporty appearance with a black polo shirt and black cloth trousers. His naturally matching leather shoes must have cost a fortune. But still he did not appear arrogant or even arrogant.
"Good morning, Mr. Harf. I, too, am pleased that it's finally starting."
"I hope you found your way here okay? Before I introduce you to my staff, I would like to have a brief chat with you. Would you please follow me to my office?"
Of course, I followed him and over a wonderful latte macchiato we went over the details of my order again.
My task should be to lead the employees to their own creativity. Like many agencies, routine had crept in and the quality of the work no longer met the owner's expectations. After an initial review of the initial situation, I was then to develop an individual program to increase potential.
"Do you have any more questions, Mrs. Schwarz? Or should we go directly to the meeting room. I've asked my staff there for 10:00."
"No, I have no further questions at this time. I'd like to get a more neutral perspective on the situation right away."
"Great. Then I am very curious to see how my employees will react to it. Of course I announced them, but I didn't go into detail." With a mischievous look he stood up and opened the door.
On the way to the meeting room I allowed myself my obligatory detour to freshen up once again. Since the meeting was to take place in the same hallway, I asked my companion to go ahead.
I closed the door behind me and looked into the mirror that was mounted above the pool. And I liked what I saw. Well, I wasn't a classical beauty, but over the years I had learned to show off my merits better. But what mattered most was the sparkle in my blue eyes. A glow that I had never lost since then. The glow of a small child who didn't know where to go with his energy. I shone from within and with my smile I could enchant people. I checked my make-up and closed my eyes for a short moment.
Suddenly I noticed a strangely familiar scent, at first only unconsciously. It was feminine and playful, but led by a very clear note. I did not have to think long where I had first noticed this extraordinary perfume.
A seemingly endless time seemed to have passed since then, and yet I remembered it as if it were only yesterday. I felt myself being gripped again by that feeling of excitement and tension that I had met for the first time in my life.
Shaking my head, I suppressed the budding hope that Emma could be here, here in Cologne, here, very close to me. The fulfillment of this dream was just as unlikely as the thought that my late grandmother would soon enter the room. Rather, it was more likely that a member of the agency staff had freshened up and renewed her perfume shortly before. She happened to use the same scent as Emma.
However, this logical explanation could not change the fact that this fragrance triggered lovingly cherished memories and washed this magical feeling of our first encounter back to the surface. Since then, I have been able to take trips into the past, I only had to close my eyes. The scenes of my encounters with Emma ran like a film before my inner eye.
But in the current situation it was not the right time to dive into this world of feelings and memories - my professional advancement was a priority. In a few minutes I had to present my concept and I had to do so with a clear head. But I interpreted the present fragrance experience as a good omen, as a sign that Emma would be with me - even though she was probably somewhere on the other side of the world. I pensive stroked Emma's silver ring on my finger, which connected me to her, no matter how far away she was.
When I entered the meeting room a few minutes later, I found everything well prepared for the meeting. The agency staff, a colourful mixture of creative people, marketing consultants and typical bankers, had already gathered. Mr. Harf opened the round and introduced me to his staff before passing the floor to me. Now there was no turning back for me. It was - as with every new project - a leap into uncertain depths. The knowledge that I would be under constant observation from now on always triggered ambivalent feelings in me. On the one hand, I loved my job and every day I did it more and more, but on the other hand, it wasn't really in keeping with my nature to be in focus.
At least the obligatory stage fright disappeared with my first sentences, which had been prepared and thought through in detail for each project. After that everything went like clockwork. Two hours later, the staff was thoroughly informed and I was able to make appointments for one-on-one meetings.
"Mrs. Schwarz, I believe you were able to convince my employees," my client stated appreciatively.
"Thank you very much. But I think we should wait for the reactions after the one-on-one interviews in the next few days. After that I will present the current status quo to them and develop individual measures for them."
"Fine, I look forward to your results. Oh, before I forget..."
Well, what's next, I thought. Does he want to put budget thumbscrews on me now or give me his ideas for the future? I never thought of him that way.
"Unfortunately, not all of my staff were able to attend your presentation today. Two team colleagues were unfortunately unable to attend today. However, they will be available to them for discussions in the next few days. My assistant Maike will keep them informed about this."
"It's no problem at all, Mr. Harf. Until then, I'll be busy with the first interviews anyway."
"Mrs. Schwarz, I see we understand each other. May I show you the office we have reserved for you? Maike has taken care of everything. I hope we've thought of everything. If not, please contact Maike."
On the way to the elevator we passed an office, whose door was open and virtually invited us to look into the room. Although I couldn't see much as I passed by, my attention fell, as if magically attracted, on the black and white photo of a pavilion hanging on the wall. At this sight it passed through me like a flash of lightning. What was wrong with me today? However, the signal of the elevator and a question from my client prevented me from immediately deepening my thoughts. But both the sight of the photo and the scent experience stuck in my subconscious.
HANNAH
"Hello, Marie, how nice to see you." Stormy we fell into each other's arms. "Hannah, man, you look great! Did you get a haircut?" "Yes, yesterday. Since today I am in a new project. And the day before the start I always treat myself to a beauty upgrade. It's part of my ritual." "Well, I have to say, the new hairstyle looks really good on you. But that alone is not the reason for the sparkle in your eyes, is it?" "Do my eyes sparkle? What do you mean?", I asked a little irritated. "Do you have problems with your contact lenses?" "Come on, Hannah, don't try to distract How long have we known each other? I know exactly if something's going on with you. So, come on, tell me. The forcefulness of her voice did not allow an evasive answer.
"Oh, I don't know what's wrong.
I saw a photo at my new employer's today. and I can't get my mind off it."
"What, a photo? What kind of photo? What was in it?" "Actually nothing special. A pavilion." "A pavilion? What a gazebo." "I don't know, but somehow everything seemed so infinitely familiar. Somehow it reminded me of my time in New York. And besides, someone in the company is using Emma's scent.
"I see. Marie winked at me. "And I thought you were over it. You were gonna throw yourself into work and try to forget about Emma."
"I do. And as for Emma, at least I'm trying to forget her. But there are always little things that bring me back into the spell. There's just nothing I can do about it. It's just like magic. But, enough about me. How are you?"
I was honestly trying to follow Marie's talk about her friend and the problems in her job, because she was dear to me, but this time I found it hard to get seriously involved. This inexplicable restlessness, which had gripped me in the afternoon, spread more and more inside me. Marie did not remain unaware of it either, but, good friend she was, she showed herself to be merciful and understanding.
"Hannah, what am I gonna do with you? You're such a great woman and half of Cologne would be at your feet if you could just open up."
"But what am I going to do with half of Cologne if all I want is one person: Emma! I know it sounds crazy. but believe me, she's the missing piece in my life puzzle. She's the light that will take me from night to day.
"If this is really so, then one day you will see them again, because then that is your destiny. Then the two of you will have something really special together. Then it's worth hoping for and waiting for. But please, Hannah, be careful not to get lost in it anyway."
"Oh, my dear Marie, don't worry about me, I'll, no, I can't lose myself in it at all, because now more than ever, I know I've finally come to my senses." Unconsciously I sighed deeply and let myself fall into the simultaneously comforting but also painful magical memory of Emma. It was only when I realized that Marie was watching me smiling that I managed to return to the present.
"How do you manage to muster the energy not to lose faith in this love. It's been so long, hasn't it? And you haven't heard from Emma since that letter from Bali?
"I don't know. I just feel it. Sometimes I go on a journey in my dreams and experience our moments again and again. Then when I wake up, it's as if it was only yesterday. I feel it inside me and I can't fight it. And, to be honest, I don't even want to."
"But don't you feel like you're living past life, not participating in it?"
"No, certainly not. Life was superficial for me, not to say meaningless, before I met her. "Ever since Emma came into my life, I've felt everything with a tremendous intensity. Every morning I wake up with a smile and a warmth and happiness.
Marie sighed, embraced me tightly, and whispered, "Hannah, I wish you more than anyone else in the world for your love to be fulfilled." Once again, I realized how lucky I was to have such a faithful and understanding friend like Marie.
The next morning I woke up with the inexplicable, but nevertheless secure feeling that the day would be very positive and excitingly different than usual. Strangely elated and at the same time more level-headed than usual, I took the time for my morning coffee. As usual, I looked out of the window, but today I realized for the first time how beautiful the view was. It was really hard for me to tear myself away from the sight, but it was no use. I had to get ready, as the first meeting was already scheduled for 9 o'clock.
Almost familiarly I was welcomed by Maike with a coffee. She informed me briefly that my client, Mr. Harf, had an appointment away from home, but that the two colleagues I had not yet met were already available for a meeting.
"I hope, Mrs. Schwarz, this doesn't upset her plans?" Maike smiled at me friendly, even if a bit insecure. "Don't worry. My days are often determined by the fact that things don't turn out as I planned." Still exhilarated, I went to the elevator to get to my office on the third floor.
In the elevator I noticed this smell again. The smell I had noticed the day before. And immediately I felt a slight tingling sensation that took over my whole body. The scent of the perfume was still hanging very intensely in the air, so the wearer must have used the elevator only shortly before me. I breathed deeply and tried to concentrate on the upcoming conversation with all my strength and professionalism. After all, the first individual conversations were especially important and sometimes even exhausting. On the one hand, it could happen that an interviewee almost overwhelmed me with information, on the other hand, I had to pull every word out of the nose of some interviewees.
Before I knew it, the morning was over and I was able to gather a great deal of information after only three conversations. The next staff interview was scheduled for 12:30 pm and I used the remaining time to review my previously collected notes when the phone rang.
On the other end of the line was Maike. She asked me, on behalf of my next interlocutor, to conduct the interview in her office as an exception, because Ms. Miller was waiting for an important call from New York. So I made my way to the office on the second floor. When I arrived there, I discovered that it was the office with the black-and-white photograph I had seen the day before.
Also this time the door was not closed. It was only slightly ajar and soft music was coming out of the room. Apparently, someone who was inspired by music was working there. How likeable, I thought, because I myself felt music was an excellent communicator in thought processes, and depending on the type of music I could control my mood and my feelings. And the sounds that now reached my ears radiated relaxation and longing - and they seemed somehow familiar.
HANNAH & EMMA
"Go right in." Without having noticed it Maike had approached. "Mrs Miller will be with you in a moment. She's still in a conversation."
"I see. Do you know how long it's gonna take? Otherwise, I'll go back..."
"„... No, it's definitely not worth it. It will probably be available to them right away. She just asked me to give them the information so they won't wonder why she's not on time." With it Maike pushed the door open.
So I stepped in. There it was again, that smell. Apparently, this Mrs. Miller had the same taste as Emma. What a crazy coincidence! After all, she was from New York, and her name was Miller too. Or was it no coincidence at all? Now, don't go crazy. Miller was hardly a very rare name. I'm sure there must have been countless times in New York. It could just be a coincidence.
All I knew about Mr. Harf was that she had only recently been hired to bring the agency the fresh and inspiring wind of a New York marketing expert. I had not been given more information, which was entirely in line with my approach. After all, I wanted to get my own, uninfluenced impression of the employees and their situation during the interviews.
The office radiated a very personal touch. On the walls hung various photographs that were clearly taken in New York and somewhere in Asia. In addition to pictures of the Empire State Building, Central Park, Broadway and a panoramic view of NY with the Statue of Liberty, I was particularly fascinated by the photography with the pavilion, which I had already noticed the day before.
I came closer and looked at the photo. For a fraction of a second, I thought it might be "our" pavilion from back then - and immediately discarded the idea. It could not be. It would be such a big coincidence that it simply seemed impossible. How many pavilions could there be in the world? Countless! So why should this one of all be the one on Liberty Island?
And yet, everything in the photo seemed strangely familiar. As if the photo wanted to tell me something. As if it wanted to strengthen my confidence and my faith in this encounter even more. Even though so many things had happened in my life since then, and I had gone through so many changes, there was always this constancy - the constancy and faith in this magic. I had never let anyone tell me otherwise or even question my feelings. And this would remain so in the future.
Completely absorbed in the photo and my thoughts, I did not notice that I wa
s no longer alone in the room. Although I had the impression of perceiving the perfume scent more intensely, I attributed this to the memories that the image of the pavilion had evoked in me. Once again the magic of the experience had made my feelings resonate. I breathed deeply and ordered myself to concentrate on my work. After all, I had enough time for dreaming in my spare time.
When I turned around, it hit me like lightning. I closed my eyes. You're mad, I thought, now you've let yourself be so caught up in your feelings that you can now see Emma standing before you in the flesh. But when I opened my eyes, blinking cautiously, the sight was unchanged. The woman standing opposite me really looked like Emma, just as I had remembered her. Confused, I shook my head and closed my eyes again. My subconscious mind was probably just playing a dirty trick on me, connecting all the impulses and making me believe what I wanted to see. I had already read about it. Only I had never thought that it could happen to me. Until now I had always been able to rely on my mind. I allowed myself another look at Mrs. Miller. Well, she too had dark hair, brown eyes and her smile was also supported by a dimple. Yes, she came from New York and used the same scent. But we were neither in New York, nor on the dream boat. We were in an advertising agency in Cologne.
Again I closed my eyes and ordered my mind to finally get the upper hand again. If there was one thing I could not use in my work, it was a distorted look, just because my mind made me believe something else instead of reality. I took a deep breath and counted to ten.
When I opened my eyes, Mrs. Miller - or perhaps Emma? - was no longer standing where I had seen her a few seconds earlier. Probably she had left her office shaking her head to get professional help for this crazy management consultant. I could understand that. I must certainly have given a very confused picture. Eyes opening and closing, breathing in and out deeply and, above all, speechless.