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There was a huge rush. More and more people flocked to the dike. School started again tomorrow and the weather, too, seemed to be putting its last ounce of strength into its sunbeams today. Everyone probably wanted to enjoy the last day.
The wind, however, had already picked up. Our colorful flags with the symbol for Dithmarschen fluttered wildly. Otherwise, it's been very busy here with me since I started work at noon.
Elderly people who wanted a souvenir from their last vacation, or annoyed parents who bought their children some toy or other to keep them quiet.
Last year, I actually thought a little vacation job would do me good. Now it had turned into a permanent position. Since then, I had been working for Cora several times a week. She was the manager of the store.
“Hey Tim, is everything going okay?”
Cora had come to check on me.
“Oh Cora, you're a godsend. Can you help me for a minute? I urgently need to restock, but I can't get away from the checkout,” I said.
She smiled at me.
“Of course, little one, I can see you're busy,“ she replied.
“Little one” was good. At almost 190 centimeters tall, I was the tallest person on the team, but I was the youngest, at 18, so to speak, the baby of the family.
So Cora took over my part at the checkout and I disappeared into the storeroom to get more goods. Lighthouses were this year's big seller, so I loaded up the crate to refill the shelf.
The same went for the cups, glasses, plates and other souvenirs that we stocked.
“Tim, you also have to refill outside, here at the shelf, can I do the rest on the side?” Cora called.
I nodded to her and went outside to see what goods I had to refill here. It had become quite warm and I enjoyed the sun on my arms and face.
Back in the warehouse, I pulled new flags out of the box and also took a few stunt kites that were quickly sold again in the wind. I was just busy rolling out the flags and putting them in the holder when I noticed a guy at the kites.
He seemed to be around the same age as me. Also about the same height. The wind played with his brown hair, which he kept pushing away from his face. I glanced at Cora, who hadn't missed my observation.
She started grinning and encouraged me with wild gestures to talk to the guy. I put the box of flags aside and approached him. I noticed the beautiful silver ring on his hand as he pushed back his hair.
“Can I help you?” I asked.
“Yes, I'm looking for some nice tea light holders,“ he replied without looking at me.
“We also have a very large selection inside,” I told him.
“Lighthouses too?”
I had to grin because I had just noticed them.
“Yes, of course. Different sizes, designs and colors,“ I replied.
This time he looked up and I could look directly into his big, brown eyes.
“Will you show me?” He asked.
I was still captivated by that look.
“Um, what? But yes, I'm happy to do that,” I stuttered.
A small smile flitted across his lips. I pointed in the direction of the shop and he followed me. Cora was still grinning cheekily at me as we entered the shop, which annoyed me.
The guy followed me to the lighthouses.
“Hey, cool! What a selection!” he said enthusiastically.
I nodded and left him to it. Outside again, I gathered up the last of the flags and handed out the kites. I looked towards the dike, which was full of people. The tide had come back in and the last mudflat walkers had returned.
Here and there I could see some kites in the air. When the vacations were over, it would be quiet again in Friedrichskoog, only the pensioners, who also settled in the village all year round, were then there.
There were already young people here, but if you wanted to experience something, you had to rely on transportation. I no longer had that problem because I could call a car my own. I packed up the rest of the boxes and stowed them in the dumpster.
“Done, thanks for your help Cora,” I said when I entered the store again.
“No problem, as long as the sales are good, anytime,“ she said, winking at me.
She raised her hand in greeting again and then she was gone. I took a quick sip of my coke and marked a few more items with prices before putting them on the shelf.
“Could the young man maybe help me with a problem?” I heard someone say behind me.
I turned around and saw a slightly older lady standing behind me, who had entered the store unnoticed.
“Hello, can I help you?“ I asked in a friendly manner.
“I'm here on vacation in Friedrichskoog and I'd like to bring my girlfriend a souvenir from here,” she replied.
“Do you have something specific in mind?”
“No, that's why I'm asking you.”
Should it have the name of the place on it, or should it have something to do with the North Sea, the Wadden Sea?
Is there something with both?
Yes, of course. We have different cups here with motifs and writings from the area.
I immediately noticed that the lady was not impressed by my suggestion; she was probably used to more sophisticated things.
“But there is also another option for putting together a glass bowl for you,“ I said.
“That's a good idea. Do you have something here that I can look at?”
“Yes, come with me,” I said, taking my key off the till.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that the guy was still browsing the shelves and now had a shopping basket in front of him. I showed the lady the bowls she wanted. She was thrilled and even picked out one right away.
“I'll pack the items individually because they wouldn't survive a longer trip well,“ I said to the older woman.
“That's nice, I hope I can do it as nicely as you.”
“It's very easy. Just put the blue sand in first, and then spread the rest on top,” I said.
I showed her how to do it using another bowl and she nodded at me with a smile. I packed everything into a box and taped it up well. After that, I put the box in a bag and handed it to the customer after she had paid.
Overjoyed, she left the store again.
“Could you help me too?” the boy asked this time.
“And how can I help you?“ I asked in my friendly manner.
“I can't decide. Should I get this cute bear or the seal?” he asked.
He placed both on my counter.
“Who is it for? A girlfriend?”
I had to smile to myself. Does one never lose the habit of checking out the person opposite?
No, I don't have a girlfriend. This is for me, or rather for my new apartment, which I will move into after the vacation.
Then take the seal, you can buy bears anywhere, I said.
He put the bear back.
So you're on vacation here, I asked.
“You ask that in such a strange tone?“ he said quietly.
“It's because our age group doesn't come here on vacation that often.”
“Yeah, my parents thought they were doing me a favor by dragging me out here.”
“Do you need anything else?” I asked.
“No, that's everything, but can you wrap this for me?”
“Of course,“ I said, taking the basket.
I first entered the prices and then carefully wrapped each item.
“So, that comes to twenty-seven eighty,” I said.
“Can I pay by card?” the guy asked me.
I nodded and he handed me his card. After I had swiped it through the checkout and entered our PIN, I took a quick glance at the name. “Bj?rn Gerstner?” I said and handed it back to him.
A little nervous, I played with the ballpoint pen in my hand and waited for the receipt to print.
“The amount is on here and I need you to sign,“ I said and held out the receipt.
He signed and gave the receipt back to me. I took the bag and handed it to him.
“A bit unfair, don't you think?” he suddenly said.
“Please?“ I asked in astonishment.
“Well, you know my name now and I don't know yours,” he replied.
Oh, I see,“ I said.
I held out my hand.
“My name is Tim Classen.”
“Nice to meet you. When do you get off work?” “Well, I mean, I don't know anyone here yet and you seem very nice.”
“That's okay, I know what you mean.”
“Oh, how sweet,” he blushed.
Actually, I'm about to finish work, you're my last customer today. And if you don't know what to do with yourself, I'll be done here in about half an hour and we can go out, I said, closing the cash register.
“Hey cool, so what shall we do?” asked Bj?rn.
What do you feel like doing? Something loud, like a disco or a bar, or something quieter, like a walk along the dike?
If you don't mind, I'd rather go for a walk today.
No problem, shall I pick you up? I asked.
It seemed to me that suddenly something sad appeared in his eyes. He took his keys out of his pocket and I could see a rainbow pendant on it.
“Did I say something wrong?” I asked quietly.
“No, it's fine. I live with my parents in a vacation house on Buchenweg. Do you know where that is?”
I started to laugh.
“You forget, I'm from here. I'll be at your place in 45 minutes and you'll put on something warm!“ I said.
“Why?” asked Bj?rn.
“We want to go to the dike, the wind blows differently there than here in town.”
“Okay, see you in a bit then,” said Bj?rn.
I followed him outside, gave him a smile and watched him until he had disappeared in the direction of the parking lot. I let out a short scream and jumped into the air. By coincidence, this boy had crossed my path and, what's more, he was gay.
I quickly pushed all the sales stands into the store and rolled down the large blind in front of the window. I quickly counted the money, entered it in the cash book and put it in the safe.
At the back exit, I set the alarm system in operation before I locked the door. I ran to my car and drove quite quickly through the town. Since I, like Bj?rn, lived in the old part of town, I first had to leave a large piece of fields behind me before I reached my home.
Friedrichskoog-Spitze was built later and also built to meet the needs of tourists. In addition to the pubs, restaurants and snack bars, there were also small shops, in one of which I also worked.
The old part of the village was built around the harbor, where small fishing boats still anchor today, setting out almost daily at high tide to make their catch. I parked my car in the driveway and ran into the house.
When I unlocked the front door, I almost ran over my grandmother.
“Where are you going so fast, my boy?“ she asked.
“Grandma, I still have to go somewhere and change for it,” I said to her and ran up the stairs to my room.
“I won't hold you back,” she said and disappeared back into the kitchen.
I loved my grandma more than anything. She actually raised me while my parents were both at work. She had always been there for me and was like a good friend to me.
I threw my clothes in the corner and opened my closet. The old problem arose: what should I wear? I looked out the window and saw the clouds coming in on the horizon.
So, something warm. I pulled my favorite Troijer out of the closet and put it on. Freshly groomed, I ran back downstairs to the kitchen.
“Grandma, I don't know when I'll be back, will you please tell Dad and Mom?”
All right, my boy,” she replied without looking up.
I jumped back into my car and rolled out of the driveway. I almost overlooked the neighbor boy on his bike, but managed to brake in time. Take it easy, Tim, or you won't make it in one piece, I thought to myself.
When I turned into Buchenweg a little later, Bj?rn was already standing in the street, waving at me. I pulled up next to him.
“Hi, have you been waiting long?” I asked.
“No, I just came out.”
“Good, let's go, but please buckle up.”
Bj?rn closed the door and buckled up. I started the door and turned in the driveway of the opposite house. It was not to be overlooked, that Bj?rn felt uncomfortable here in the car.
He clung to the handle of the car door and looked a little helpless. So, against my better judgment, I decided to drive very slowly to the dike. It didn't take long, so I pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the engine.
We both got out and I locked my car.
“You were right, it is pretty fresh here, isn't it?” said Bj?rn, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Can't you turn up the collar of your jacket?” I asked.
“No, I can't, I'm missing a button.”
“Oh, I've got something, just a moment.”
I unlocked the trunk and pulled a scarf out of my pocket. After I had locked the car again, I went up to Bj?rn and simply tied the scarf around his neck without asking too many questions.
“Thanks, that's nice of you,” said Bj?rn.
He looked at me a little surprised. I grinned and went to the gate to the stairs, which was set up so that the sheep that populated the dike could not escape. Holding the gate open, I watched Bj?rn take the steps up to the dike with ease.
Once at the top, I stopped behind him because I realized that he was looking around first.
“Wow, this is cool,“ he said.
“I knew you'd like it,” I said.
“What kind of tower is that?“ he asked me, pointing to one behind the dike.
“That's the observation tower of our seal sanctuary,” I replied.
'A sanctuary?'
'You must have seen 'Hello Robbi?' on TV before. They film it here. All stranded animals are brought here and nursed back to health.'
'Can you watch that too?' asked Bj?rn.
'Of course, if you want we can go in together tomorrow, I'll show you everything,' I replied.
Can we walk a bit?”
I nodded and we walked towards the tip on the top of the dike. All the time I walked silently next to him. Now and then he raised his head and looked around, but mostly he had his head bowed.
“Can I ask you something?” I began.
He looked at me briefly and nodded.
I know we've only known each other for a few hours, but I've noticed that something is bothering you. Also, that you are afraid of driving.?
Bj?rn took a deep breath.
That's because, I? I lost my friend in a car accident half a year ago. He said he would pick me up and? he never came to get me.?
Now I realized a few things, including that I had just put my foot in it. Bj?rn had tears running down his cheeks.
“I'm sorry I reminded you of this with my question,” I said quietly.
“You didn't remind me of it, I think about it all the time.”
“You must have loved him very much?”
Yes, we were together for two years and he wanted to celebrate our second anniversary with me.
I held out a paper tissue to Bj?rn, which he took and blew his nose.
That's why my parents took me here, because there are too many reminders of him at home, said Bj?rn.
I'm really sorry, Bj?rn, for bringing it up!?
It's okay, Tim. I don't really have anyone at home I can talk to.
Do you want to tell me about him?
If you don't mind?
No, I don't mind! How did you two meet?
Bj?rn started to laugh, apparently he had a good memory of it.
“I couldn't decide on a stuffed animal,” he said.
Was your friend also a salesman?
No, Nick was just in the store at the same time as me and he took the stuffed animal just as I finally decided on it.
Wasn't there more than one? I asked.
It was the last one. But I was able to call it my own after four hours.
Why is that?
Nick seemed to have noticed that I was sad that he had chosen the stuffed animal that I wanted. He started a conversation quite unselfconsciously and invited me for a coffee.
And so you talked him into it?
No, after three hours I knew that and no other, and then as a goodbye present he gave me the monkey.
“Wow, how romantic,“ I said, letting out a long sigh.
“Right?” After two weeks, we were an item.
We were silent again, but somehow Bj?rn's mood had improved.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” Bj?rn suddenly asked me.
“Um, no, I don't.”
“Why?”
Why why? There aren't that many choices here, I've known most of them since kindergarten, and my dream guy isn't among them.?
I had apparently said this a little too pointedly, because Bj?rn didn't say anything more.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean it,” I said.
“It's okay.”
We were silent again for quite a while.
“What should your dream guy be like?“ Bj?rn asked, apparently to keep the conversation going.
“I've never really thought about it that much. At least he should be honest, have a sense of humor and be there for me when I need him.”
“And his looks?” he asked.
I exhaled very loudly.
“Just like you!“ I fibbed, smiling.
Bj?rn's face turned a little red. He looked at me, confused.
“I'm serious, you're very handsome,” I said.
“Thanks, but so are you.”
Now I was the one who was blushing.
“What do you actually do for a living?” I asked, changing the subject.
“I'm in my third year of apprenticeship as a carpenter,” Bj?rn replied.
“That's an interesting job too, working with wood, must be fun?”
“Yes, it is. And you?”
“I go to a vocational school and I'll probably start an apprenticeship as a retail salesman.”
“So you like selling?”
“Yes, I like being with people, I really like it.”
Shouldn't we start walking back slowly, it's starting to get dark, Bj?rn asked.
You're right, and tomorrow I'm not on duty, so if you want, I have the whole day for you.
Bj?rn seemed to be thinking.
If you don't want to, it's okay, really, I said.
But I would like to. I just realized that since what happened with Nick, I haven't felt as comfortable as I did tonight. Thanks.”
“You're welcome, Bj?rn. I'm happy to do it.”
We walked slowly back to the car. We didn't talk anymore, because Bj?rn was too lost in thought. I enjoyed the wind in my face, how it played with my hair. Outside, on the sea, you could see the lights of large ships.
They slowly moved along the coast.
“What kind of rock is that up ahead?” Bj?rn asked.
“Exactly at this point, the fifty-fourth parallel runs,“ I answer.
“Interesting, I've never seen anything like that,” said Bj?rn.
We both walked down the stairs of the dike to the street where my car was. After we had left the gate behind us, Bj?rn stopped. He approached me and took me in his arms.
I felt a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“Thank you Tim, it was a nice evening,” he said softly and let go.
“You're welcome, anytime.”
I unlocked the car and opened my door while Bj?rn walked away from the car.
“Aren't you getting in?“ I asked.
“If you don't mind, I'll walk the short distance home,” he replied.
“No problem, when will we see you tomorrow?”
“Do you have a cell phone?”
Of course, wait, I'll give you my number.”
After we had exchanged numbers and said goodbye, I got into my car and drove off. Deep inside me, I felt something that I had never felt before. I was sure that I felt more for Bj?rn than I was admitting to myself.
***
It was still quite early when my mother woke me up.
“Well Tim, I have to go now, if you hurry you can still have breakfast with grandma,” she said when I was with me.
“Mom, can I visit you today and bring someone?”
“Why do you ask, you can come anytime!”
“I don't know either, it seemed important to me.”
“Does my son have something on his mind and doesn't dare say it?” she said with a smile.
“I think I do know: I've fallen in love.”
My mother's smile grew wider.
“And you want to bring him with you?”
“Yes, I would like that.”
Good, then I'll see you later. I'm looking forward to meeting the guy who's turned your head.
I rolled my eyes.
It's okay, but he doesn't know about it.
I'll keep it a secret, she said, still smiling, and left my room.
I slowly climbed out of bed and walked wearily to the bathroom. It was only in the shower that I really woke up. But my thoughts were with Bj?rn the whole time. I had really fallen for the guy.
But was it good at all, did it even make sense? In two weeks he would go back home and then the thing with Nick, which was still bothering him a lot. Back in my room, I got dressed.
When I came downstairs, my grandma had already disappeared, so I had breakfast alone. She was probably out somewhere again, rummaging in her garden, which she lovingly tended and cared for.
When I had cleared the table, I took my keys and went into the garden as well.
“Are you here for lunch?” My grandma asked me when she saw me coming.
“I don't think so, grandma, I have plans.”
“All right, my boy, I'll cook for you anyway, in case you change your mind.”
“Thanks, Grandma,” I said, and went on to my car.
Slowly, lost in thought, I drove to Bj?rn's. I hoped I wasn't there too early. Again, the thoughts from earlier came to mind. What was I doing here anyway? I was chasing after a boy I had just known for a day and believed that I was in love with him.
Did I want to be rejected by my first real love? Somehow I was torn. The desire for a steady boyfriend was greater than ever before. But I was afraid of getting involved in something that was probably not good for me.
I hadn't noticed that I had been standing in front of the house for a while. The blinds were already drawn, so I got out and went to the front door and rang the bell. It wasn't long before a woman cautiously opened the door.
“Yes??
?Mornin', I'm Tim and I wanted to ask if Bj?rn is here,? I said to the woman.
Oh, good morning. So you're Tim? Bj?rn has already told us about you.
Does that mean something good or not? The woman opened the door completely and let me in.
Bj?rn is in his room, up on the right, she continued.
So I ran up the stairs and knocked on the said door. From inside, a yes was heard. Slowly, I opened the door and stuck my head into the room.
“Hey Tim, you're already here?“ Said Bj?rn, who was still in his bed.
“Sorry if I'm too early?” I said and entered.
Bj?rn threw back his blanket and stood up. He was now standing in front of me in shorts and I had to swallow.
“Come in and close the door,” he said.
My God, he looked sweet. I would have loved to have thrown myself into his arms and given him a kiss. His hair was standing in all directions.
“Known for a day and you already see me in shorts, but you're pretty fast,“ he said, and my blood rushed to my head.
“I wanted to show you the seal stadium, and it's not that crowded this early,” I said.
Bj?rn seemed to notice my discomfort and grinned. He put his arms around me and pulled himself towards him.
“I don't know what it is, but I feel very comfortable with you. Tonight was the first night that I slept through without bad dreams.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I haven't been this fit in the morning in a long time.”
I looked into his wonderful brown eyes, which were now smiling at me. I felt a tingle in my stomach and my knees went weak. He bowed his head slightly and spoke softly,
“Since Nick died, I always thought I would never meet someone again who could mean more to me.”
“You don't really know me yet,“ I said.
Bj?rn let go and sat down on his bed.
“I had a dream last night. I met Nick and we had a long talk,” he began.
I looked at him in confusion and plopped myself down on a chair.
“Yeah, a talk. About me, and about you.”
And what came out of it? I asked.
Bj?rn was silent at first and I thought he was going to give me a hammer answer. Nervously, I rocked back and forth on my chair.
All my friends think I should finally let go. I know they are all right, but it's not easy. I loved Nick very much, no, I still do today, but I just can't keep hanging on to him.
That's right, there will always be a place in your heart, I said uncertainly, because I still didn't know what he was getting at.
Besides, you don't always get the luck to meet someone so dear twice,“ he said and looked at me penetratingly.
I sat there and just stared back.
“Hey, get a grip on yourself, I haven't made you a declaration of love yet,” said Bj?rn and laughed.
I swallowed.
“Well, no one has ever said anything so sweet to me,“ I replied.