After a full tour of the library, I have to tear myself away from all the books and head back into the centre of Prague. I take a walk along Charles Bridge before going to the hotel. The cold is making my nose go red, and I shield my cheeks with my mitten-covered hands to try and warm my face up. Then I pass the statue that Tomas showed me previously with the dog. I remove a mitten to touch the dog for a little extra luck for the forthcoming new year.
Once I have stroked him and walked a bit further, I accidentally head off in the wrong direction and find myself at Lovers Bridge. I remember from what Dewi told me that this was the place where couples sealed their love with padlocks. However, Tomas told me that it is frowned upon now as the locks rusted away, and it was terrible for pollution as people carelessly threw the keys into the Devil’s Channel below. I had originally considered it to be a great way to somehow seal Aunt Grace and Marek’s love together, but this is not a sensible option. I will think of something to do to tie them together one day though; I owe them both that much. They may not have stayed together in this world, but somehow, I want them to be connected again.
I stop for lunch at the Christmas market near the hotel since I can’t resist the smell of onions being fried. This market does terrible things to my appetite, and I have my eyes on the doughnut stall next. I find a bench and watch people walk around the market as I eat the tasty Czech sausage with onions.
By the time I eventually reach the hotel, I am grateful for the fierce heat that greets me in the lobby. The temperature has definitely dropped further today, and not even my long red coat with its fur collar is keeping me warm. It is Baltic outside.
As I loosen my scarf from around my neck, my favourite bellboy rushes up to me.
‘Madame, there is a package for you.’
‘A package?’
‘Yes, it came this afternoon.’
I take the package from him and squeeze at it. It is squidgy, almost like when I received the Christmas jumper from Dewi. Surely, he hasn’t sent me another. But there are no postage stamps. This is a local delivery.
In the lift, I look at the parcel. What could it possibly be?
As soon as I reach my room, I tear open the paper. Inside, something is wrapped in lilac-coloured tissue paper with a heart-shaped sticker keeping it in place. Sequins reflect through the paper, and as I remove it, I can see that it is the sparkly gold sequin jacket that was in the fancy boutique Tomas and I stopped at. A card falls out that confirms my suspicions.
I know you loved this. Hope it fits. Thought it might be something for this evening, if you wanted to wear it, that is. Tomas X.
I throw off my coat and remove my thick, knitted jumper from underneath. I am so excited to try the jacket on that I can’t wait. I pray it fits. I put one arm in and then the next. It fits like a glove. This will certainly brighten up the plain black dress I had planned for this evening. It is absolutely stunning. I twirl around in the mirror, watching the sequins as they catch the light and see the old me in my reflection. Can I possibly shine this bright again? I am hesitant about that as my confidence has been shattered so badly over the past few years. But wearing this lifts my spirits and makes me want to say goodbye to my self-inflicted lonely past.
This must be one of the most beautiful items of clothing I have ever owned. It seems all the best things come from Prague, and, just like my snow globe, I will treasure it forever.
Chapter Twenty-Five
I can see the effort that Tomas has made for this evening as soon as the taxi pulls up outside the bar. The chairs we left leaning against the tables are now decorated with pretty gold ribbons. The tables are covered in white tablecloths with centrepieces of gold candles. With the orange glow of the lights from outside, it is enough to draw anyone in.
Of course, tonight, it is closed to the public, which makes me feel like a VIP who has been invited to a private party. Particularly since I am wearing my special jacket. My look is a million miles away from my beloved onesie.
The invitations only went out to Tomas’ friends and, when I enter the bar, I spot him talking to some people and wonder how close they are to him.
Tomas turns his head as soon as I walk in, and his eyes light up like they always do when he sees me. His smile tells me that he is pleased I have arrived. He waves and calls me over, which is a great relief as I don’t know anyone else here.
He kisses me on both cheeks, and I get the intoxicating smell of his aftershave again.
‘Hi, let me introduce you to my friends.’
Both men give me a friendly smile and shake my hand.
‘I’m Eric,’ says one of them.
‘Vlad,’ says the other.
They both look around Tomas’ age. Perhaps these are friends from his school days.
‘It’s good to finally meet you. Tomas has told us soooo much about you,’ says Vlad.
‘Yes, sooooo much,’ laughs Eric.
Tomas kicks Eric on the shin playfully.
‘What’s wrong? Come on, let’s be honest here,’ laughs Eric.
I wouldn’t mind knowing what he told them, but now isn’t the time to ask, as the three of them wave over to welcome a group of women who have walked in.
