Her coat was only half fastened, and she had a perfectly sensible plan to go home. Then a lamp came on at the corner. A familiar facade acquired a warmth she had not noticed during the day. Mea slowed down. Without saying a word, Bratislava had suggested that she stay a little longer.
Illustrated fiction inspired by original Travel2City photographs. The places come from separate journeys, not a one-day itinerary. Characters, dialogue, props and some composition and lighting are artistic interpretations.
Mea was walking down a street she knew, which was precisely why she was barely looking around. Warm light on a wall stopped her more effectively than any sign. She turned her face towards it and adjusted her coat. There was no need to enter anywhere, order anything or check the time. She only had to slow down. Suddenly, the familiar way home seemed to have another pleasant version available.
Beneath the old lamp, the light was softer than she expected. It caught her earring, the edge of her scarf and a smile that appeared almost by itself. Mea adjusted the fabric at her neck. She felt a little dressed for an occasion, although she was attending none. The old stone detail above her needed no explanation. Neither did she. She stayed because the spot suited her and she felt good there.
“I can borrow light like this without an invitation.”
As she continued, she could hear her own footsteps more clearly. A tower appeared between the houses, and the blue sky was deepening. Mea let her hands rest comfortably by her coat. During the day, she might have crossed this street thinking about the next item on her list. Now she noticed individual windows and bright patches on the paving. This was familiar Bratislava, seen at a different pace and hour.
“Walking here feels a little softer in the evening.”
Beside the illuminated building, she paused once more. The windows made a steady rhythm across the facade, and Mea followed it without counting. Then she drew her coat closer. She was happy to go home now. No further detour was needed to make the evening worthwhile. The extra little walk had been enough. As she left, her discreet smile suggested a small joke shared between herself and the city.
“Thank you for the invitation. I will stop by again.”
From notebook to book
The Map with No Last Page
Travel2City journeys continue between the covers of a book. Discover our illustrated travel world.
The evening had no grand programme or ceremonial ending. Mea took away warm cheeks, a quieter pace and one entirely ordinary street she wanted to notice again next time.
