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Chapter 08
1 and a half months later
Kajsa is on her way to Bertil's apartment. It's the official moving-in party today even though he's been living there for almost two weeks. Bertil's apartment is so close to Kajsa's that it takes about 10 minutes to walk there. Kajsa has some moving-in presents with her, but also the clothes she borrowed from Bertil and two presents for Göran. Göran has had his birthday but hasn't been celebrated yet.
The snow that came in January and early February is gone so the road is no longer slippery. Kajsa thought about putting on her nice shoes but chose to put on her rough autumn shoes because they are warmer. Kajsa is wearing the same winter jacket as when she hit the unicorn but its blood has been washed away. Kajsa likes this jacket. It is the best.
Kajsa is wearing the red silk dress she found in her former room and she is also wearing the light blue earrings that look like long water drops. The color combination suits her and she feels happy. Her hair has started to return to its normal color and for once she feels comfortable being blonde. After all, it is not the hair color that tells who she is.
Kajsa passes a large playground but there are no children outside at this time of day because it is dark outside even though it is not evening. A week or so ago, Kajsa was here and tried the big swing and even though she is an adult, she thought it was fun. Kajsa had not planned to visit the playground. It just happened that way.
Kajsa has gathered courage and has contacted Martin and so far they have met twice. The first time was at a restaurant and the conversations there were light. It's easiest to talk about unprivate things in a restaurant because there are guests who can hear what you're talking about and waiters and other people walking around the tables. The second time they met in Kajsa's apartment and then the conversation became a little deeper and more private.
Kajsa thinks Martin seems nice but she doesn't want to rush anything between them. For now, they're dating and that's good enough. She's going to meet him next week and they'll be at his apartment. Kajsa is looking forward to the meeting.
Bertil has gotten his Ford back, but it took time. But it wasn't just because of the damage from the crash. Bertil was about to get his car back when the company that repaired the car received an important message from the car manufacturer.
It turned out that this car model had a serious defect that was only starting to show itself now. Due to poor welding during manufacturing, exhaust gases started to leak in from a few places under the back seat. The entire interior was taken out and a technician looked for the bad welding and finally found it. The leak was small at first but now it was so big that the driver risked dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. The leak was not because the exhaust pipe had cracked when the family had driven home from Ullared. The leak was already there then, but it was not as big.
The technician did a new weld and it stopped the leak. To be on the safe side, they let the car idle for a while and had instruments that checked to make sure that no exhaust gases were leaking in.
While Bertil was waiting to get his car back, Jack was helpful and lent his car so that Bertil could use a trailer and transport the things from the villa to the apartment. Bertil used the trailer that he and Jan had bought together and there were no problems when he needed to use it.
Göran was helpful in carrying many moving boxes and also some lighter furniture, but Jack and Bertil helped each other with the heavy furniture. Göran packed his things himself and each moving box held up even if he packed them a little too tightly. Göran threw away his broken stereo and bought the same type of party speaker that Kajsa has.
Kajsa has helped with the move but not much because Bertil said it wasn't necessary. A few times Bertil has seemed confused and not really in control and that has worried Kajsa. The possible dementia may have gotten worse but no one in the family has talked about it.
It was very easy to sell the villa. The area is attractive and the inside of the villa was fresh even though the villa was built in the 1930s. Bertil and Monika had taken good care of the villa, which meant that it didnt looked old. Bertil met lots of families when the villa was shown. In the end, it was the first family to visit the villa that bought it. Bertil thought they were so charming and nice. The only thing they complained about was that the dishwasher and dryer were very old, but Bertil assured them that they worked as they should and the family accepted it.
Bertil could see how the family was starting to create their new life and future as they walked around the villa and looked around, and it warmed his heart. These were the kind of people he wanted to sell to, not to those who wanted to renovate everything and thereby ruin the villa's charm. The mother and father were fascinated by the recreation room. They were old enough to know what it was and they hadn't seen one in many, many years. They seemed to like the tiled stove in the living room too. It's not common to have one like that these days. Bertil said that the tiled stove was approved for use and that the chimney had been cleaned barely a month ago.
The papers were signed and the new family became the owners of Bertil's villa even though they hadn't received the house key yet. Bertil had started moving when the papers were signed but he still had a few things to pick up. Bertil was standing outside the villa when the new family moved in and he wished them luck and then drove towards his apartment.
Göran has quit MacDonalds and got a job at a electronic store named Elgiganten but so far he is only on probation. The manager at MacDonalds didn't give him a good job rating but luckily the manager at elgiganten was willing to give him a chance and Göran has shown that he can work well. Göran is enjoying himself considerably better even though so far he has been given simpler tasks such as cleaning the floor, putting out cheap goods near the cash register and throwing used cardboard boxes in the recycling. Göran is positive about all the work he is told to do.
Bertil makes sure that Göran arrives at work on time even if he doesn't have to. Göran was deliberately late when he worked at MacDonald's and it was because he hated the job. Göran has chosen not to explain it because he has a new job even though he is on probation. He has only heard positive things from his colleagues so hopefully he will be hired permanently.
Göran has also stopped saying "nah" when he has been lazy and instead explaines that he is too lazy and comfortable and doesn't want to do what Bertil wants. That way they understand each other better.
Kajsa arrives at the gate of the apartment building and she enters the code that Bertil gave her and the gate opens automatically. Kajsa goes to the elevator and presses the fifth floor because that is where Bertil and Göran live. The elevator looks newly renovated and is quieter than the elevator in Kajsa's apartment building. When the elevator arrives, Kajsa goes to the apartment where Bertil and Göran live. There is soft music from the apartment when Kajsa rings the doorbell. It is Jack who opens and he is dressed nicely.
"Welcome, my dear."
"Thank you."
Kajsa takes off her jacket and hangs it in the hall and she soon sees the living room where the guests are. Bertil and Göran are not visible but there is noise from a kitchen so Kajsa guesses that they are there. On a round table there are several tall drinking glasses filled with cider and Kajsa takes a filled glass. There are small cheese cubes with toothpicks on a serving platter, but Kajsa doesn't want any cheese cubes.
Göran's party speaker is in the middle of the room and on top of it is a note and a mobile phone. Kajsa reads what is on the note. Visitors can choose what music they want to hear, provided it is on Spotify. Right now it is some hit album by Hasse Andersson.
Kajsa drinks some cider and talks to some of the people she knows. Most of them were at Monika's funeral. Göran comes out into the living room and greets Kajsa and some other newly arrived guests and opens a balcony door. It is very warm in the living room and most of the guests seem to welcome the cold. Göran is wearing an apron and he goes back to the kitchen but comes back soon and now he is not wearing an apron.
Göran goes out onto the balcony and Kajsa and some other guests follow. Göran looks out over the balcony and looks satisfied, Kajsa stands next to him and smiles.
"So, how do you feel now that you're a city dweller?"
"Well, I'm enjoying it here. The only negative is that it's far from Nils. I miss our late game nights. There's also more hustle and bustle in the evenings, but that's just fun, I think."
"And Bertil?"
"He's probably quite happy, apart from the fact that the storage room in the basement is minimal. He's used to having the recreation room as extra storage."
"I understand that. You have to downsize if you move from a large villa to an apartment. I had to do that myself when I moved from home."
"You're probably right. By the way, I saw you on TV the other night. What was it about?"
"Ah, well, the computer company I work for has been tested against others and it's one of Sweden's third best companies out of 10. The person who made the report filmed my boss and briefly in my office. My office is very close to my boss's office."
"Ah, I see. Your boss looks like Phil Collins."
"I know. He's been told that many times."
"You're so pretty. Those light blue earrings suit you perfectly."
"Thanks, I found them when I was cleaning out my previous room. At Bertil's. I forgot I had them."
"Wow, so cool. That red dress is badass. It suits you perfectly.."
"Heh, thanks."
Kajsa hears Jack clear his throat loudly and snap his fingers and she turns around. Göran turns around too. Jack is standing in the middle of the living room and when he and Kajsa make eye contact, he waves at her and Göran as if he wants them to come in. Kajsa and Göran and the other guests leave the balcony and go into the living room. Jack pauses the music and speaks.
"Now it's time for food. The food is in the kitchen and everyone can fill their plate with food and sit here in the living room. There is a buffet and there is a vegetarian option for those who don't eat meat. I hope the food tastes good. There are drinks in the soda bins and if anyone wants Sprite or Coca Cola, you can let us know and we will get it."
Several of the guests go out into the kitchen but Kajsa, Göran and Jack wait because they know it will be crowded in the kitchen. Suddenly the doorbell rings and Jack is surprised but goes and opens it. He thought everyone had come. It turns out to be Nils and he has a few smaller ones and a really big package with him. Nils hangs his jacket in the hall and goes out into the living room and goes straight to Göran.
"Hi buddy. Long time no see."
"Exactly. I didn't know you were coming but it's great that you're here."
"Ah, Dad forgot to answer the invitation. You know how he is."
"I know. He seems a little confused sometimes. By the way, there's food in the kitchen if you're hungry. There's a buffet."
"Well, I'm hungry so it's perfect. Dad's problems are due to PTSD."
The guests who went to the kitchen come back and they've filled their plates and Kajsa, Göran, Jack and Nils go to the kitchen. Bertil has set the table with exotic plank, homemade hot potato gratin, grilled chicken wings, skewers with grilled meat and vegetables, vegetarian skewers for those who don't eat meat, several different salads, hot and cold sauces and a cold potato salad. There are extra pineapple and grapes for those who want.
Kajsa fills her plate with food and goes out into the living room and gets a drink from the soda bin. Kajsa sits down at the big table because the sofa is almost full and she wants to have a proper seat. Göran, Jack and Nils also sit down at the table and they're joined by Ronaldo. Ronaldo is Göran´s friend and he is a hip hoper and wears his cap backwards. Kajsa thinks it is strange that he doesn't take off his cap. Everyone at the table eats with a good appetite.
All the visitors are talking over each other and it is difficult to hear what everyone is saying. Jack is usually good at starting sensible conversations but right now he is not saying much. Bertil comes out into the living room and he also has a plate of food but he does not sit down at the table but stands at the table where the cider glasses are. Bertil looks very happy.
When Kajsa's plate is empty, she goes to the kitchen and fills up with more food and the others at the table do the same. Göran excuses himself and gets something and when he comes back he has a microphone in his hand. He plugs the microphone into the party speaker and looks at Ronaldo. Ronaldo mumbles quietly
"Wait a minute. Let everyone finish eating first."
Kajsa is curious about why Göran got a microphone but she shrugs and continues eating. Those sitting on the sofa have finished eating and are sitting talking to each other. When Kajsa and the others' plates are empty, they sit quietly. Jack gets up and speaks.
"Now I thought there would be a gift giving and then Ronaldo and Göran would sing something but we'll start with the presents. I think we'll start with Kajsa since she's the oldest in the family."
Kajsa nods happily and takes out the moving-in present for Bertil. It's a painting that she's made herself and it illustrates the snow heart in the lawn and the family is gathered around the heart. Bertil is moved when he sees what it is and is impressed that Kajsa is so good at painting. Göran gets a digital pedometer because he said he wanted one.
Kajsa has another present that's at home and Bertil will get it later but not today because it would raise a lot of questions. Kajsa visited Ertegrottan earlier this week. She took the bus and got off at the nearest stop and then walked towards the forest. Kajsa chose not to go into anyone's garden when she went into the forest but used an older, almost overgrown path. It was a longer walk to Ertegrottan but Kajsa was free this day so she had time to get there without rushing.
When Kajsa arrived at the cave, she called the unicorns and the whole herd came out of the cave and greeted her. It was clear that they remembered her. Kajsa had a newly purchased camera with her and took several photographs of the black-haired unicorn and she promised not to show to anyone outside the family. Kajsa stayed for a long time, petting the unicorns and talking to them. When Kajsa got home, she printed out two of the photographs and put them in each of their paintings. Bertil will get one of the paintings.
Kajsa noticed that Magnus's villa looked empty and that there was a for sale sign outside the villa. Maybe Magnus and Berit also decided to move.
Jack has made a big basket with lots of biscuits and marmalades and Göran gets a massive book about the Alien films. Göran has shown great interest in this book. Göran has bought an invitation to a wine tasting and Bertil is happy about the gift. Göran gets a printer for his computer. Actually, he was supposed to get it last Christmas but Bertil had forgotten to buy it.
It's Nil's turn and he gives Bertil a big bottle of whiskey. Nils was unsure of what Bertil wanted but he had seen that Bertil had several bottles of whiskey when he visited Göran. It's Göran's turn and he is curious about the big gift that Nils brings out. Göran can't believe his eyes when he opens the gift. It's the newest Playstation. Nils looks at Göran and nods.
"That's what it says on the packaging. I insisted you get this because I know how much you like to play. That's right, here's another present. I wanted you to open this first."
Nils takes out another present and gives it to Göran. This present is not as big. Göran opens the present and sees that there are two Playstation games. They are "Alien Isolation" and "Zombie Breakout". Göran loves both games. Bertil looks at the covers.
"Huh, they look so scary. You can play those in your room with headphones on. I get scared easily when I see and hear things like that."
Göran smiles when Bertil says that he thinks the games look scary. Bertil dislikes horror movies but he likes detective stories. Luckily, Göran has his own TV in his room so he can watch whatever he wants.
It's time for the other guests to give moving-in gifts and the closest relatives have each brought a gift for Göran. The gifts vary quite a bit. Some seem to have thought about what they might want while others have been comfortable and bought something simple. Of course, it's the thought that counts, but Göran wonders why he gets certain gifts, such as a vase with a flower. It's far from what he wanted, but he thanks the vase with the flower just as nicely as the rest he gets.
The guests' murmur increases after the gifts have been handed out and some of the guests seem impatient because nothing new is happening. Göran thinks it's a good time to introduce the song that he and Ronaldo have made and he nods at Ronaldo and stands at the party speaker and picks up the microphone. Ronaldo stands next to him. Göran starts talking.
"Well, Ronaldo and I have made a song called moving-in rap and we were going to sing it now. Hope you like it."
Göran picks up his mobile phone and searches the music folder and finds what he is looking for. Soon a fast-paced, almost reggae-like song comes out of the speaker and Göran starts to sing along, with Ronaldo helping out in a few places. Göran looks a little worried at first but soon gets the feeling.
"Yo dad said we're moving so i just had to go with it (Ohh Ohh)
We moved from a villa to a gray concrete community and it was good (Concrete)
Now I'm standing here and I want to give everyone a thumbs up (He wants to give a thumbs up)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and everything seems better (yes better)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and maybe I'll like it here (like it here)
Yo, the move didn't bring any chill and I was carrying my own burden (His own burden)
Now I'm standing in the living room looking at gray concrete but everything is fine (So fine)
I'm not a gansta but I like the concrete because it feels safe (He's safe)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and everything seems better (yes better)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and maybe I'll like it here (like it here)"
The song ends and it gets strangely quiet, but then Kajsa and Jack start clapping their hands and the other guests follow suit and do the same. Bertil looks very surprised but also claps his hands. Göran never told anyone that he and Ronaldo had made this song. Göran is sweaty but looks happy and he and Ronaldo clap their hands to celebrate that it turned out well.
Göran is just about to start Spotify again when he hears one of the guests shout, wait. It's Gerd and she's a member of the family. Gerd gets up from the couch and goes over to Göran and she explains that she would like to sing a song but that she needs help connecting her mobile phone to the speaker. Gerd's youngest daughter has made an instrumental melody that Gerd will sing to. Göran is helpful and connects Gerd's mobile phone and gives her the microphone.
Gerd is short and has long, flowing, red hair. She has big round glasses that were popular in the 1970s or 1980s and they may have suited her then but not now. Gerd doesn't look the least bit attractive. She looks like an old strict teacher from the 1970s who has gone through a time machine to our century. It's a shame because she is a very kind person. Gerd speaks up.
"Hi, I,m going to sing a song called "If We Met Again". Actually, I was going to sing it at Monika's funeral but I was too moved by what the priest said and the instrumental music I'm singing to wasn't quite ready. Yes, I hope you think it's okay for me to sing it here."
Everyone in the room nods. They want to hear Gerd's song. Gerd starts the instrumental music and soon a quiet ballad is heard from the loudspeaker. Kajsa thinks she recognizes the basic melody but she can't identify it and it annoys her. Gerd starts singing.
"You disappeared so suddenly from our earth.
There was so much I wanted to tell you.
But now you are lying in the coffin and are about to be buried.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
If we met again, then we would run on the green meadow
Then we would play like children and have fun like few.
You and I could talk for hours about everything and nothing.
Now it is quiet around me and I miss your voice.
I call your number to see if you answer but I get no answer.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
If we met again, then we would run on the green meadow
Then we would play like children and have fun like few."
Gerd's voice is thin and fragile at first but soon it becomes firm and fills the entire living room. Gerd's voice is really strong when she pushes her vocal chords when she sings the chorus. Most of the guests get teary-eyed and especially Kajsa and Bertil get teary-eyed because it's such a nice text and melody. You can see that Jack is touched but he doesn't cry. Göran has his head half turned away and he's probably crying too but doesn't want to show it.
Kajsa still thinks she recognizes the basic melody but she has stopped thinking about what song it might be. The lyrics are most important here. When the song ends, there is thunderous applause from everyone and Gerd looks a little embarrassed but smiles broadly. She is not the type who usually gets a lot of attention at parties and events. Gerd nods and thanks everyone for the applause and goes out onto the balcony to be alone for a while. Kajsa thinks Gerd was incredibly brave to sing this song.
Göran goes to the party speaker and disconnects Gerd's mobile phone and reconnects his own and starts Spotify again. Hasse Andersson starts singing again. Göran goes out onto the balcony and gives Gerd his mobile phone and she looks happy. Gerd smokes a cigarette but soon comes back in and sits on the sofa where she was sitting before. The other guests greet her in a completely new way now that they have heard how well she can sing.
Kajsa thinks Hasse Andersson makes okay music but she decides to change music anyway and she goes to Göran's mobile phone and searches for a group she wants to hear. Soon she finds the group and there are several albums with them and she chooses one of them. The group is called Blackmore's night. This is folk rock and it reminds her of older folk songs and Kajsa thinks it fits perfectly. Kajsa presses play and the music starts playing.
Bertil looks hot and he goes out onto the balcony and Kajsa follows. No one else seems to want to go out onto the balcony so Kajsa closes the balcony door. Bertil stands by the railing and looks out over the area and the apartment buildings and he looks relieved. Kajsa stands next to Bertil and is about to start talking but Bertil starts talking first.
"Wow. This moving-in party is working out better than I thought it would. It was Göran and Jack's idea for us to have it, while I was a little more hesitant. I almost never have parties or be the center of attention except for my birthday.
"Mmm. Maybe you should go out and meet people and create a bigger social circle, but that's not what I wanted to talk about. You'll get another present, but not today. It's a painting."
"Oh, that's cool. Is that something you painted yourself?"
"No, I visited Ertegrottan earlier this week and took several photographs of the light black unicorn. I printed the best one on my printer and made it into a painting. I thought it would raise questions if you got it today when the guests were here. If you want, you can hang it in the bedroom. There´s usually no guests there so no unauthorized person can see it."
"Oh, you're so kind and thoughtful. The painting would mean a lot to me, but I'm also happy about the painting with the snow heart. How was she?
"Well, she and the other unicorns seemed to be doing well. They recognized me right away. I chose not to go into anyone's garden when I went to the forest, but I went in via the almost overgrown path. The one near the playground."
"Ah, Raffe's path, as it's called. Wasn't it hard to get in there?"
"Well, I had to fight with the vegetation, but I got in."
Bertil laughs.
"Heh, you've always been determined and sometimes very stubborn. You don't give up until you succeed. Oh by the way. I realized I didn't tell you. Magnus saw when the unicorns were on our lawn and made the snow heart. According to Berit, he was standing on his glassed-in porch watching, but Berit didn't see the unicorns because she was in the kitchen cooking. She thought Magnus should calm down when he was standing there yelling at her.
"Okay, but did he call a newspaper or film it?"
"He probably didn't think about it. Magnus came running to the kitchen and wanted to pull Berit with him so she could see too, but suddenly he groaned and grabbed his chest and sank to the floor. Berit tried to wake him up again and called 911. Magnus suffered a severe heart attack. The ambulance arrived a few minutes after you and Jack had left and they pronounced him dead on the spot. Berit got sad and talked to me, but I didn't show the snowheart or told her about the unicorns. Berit chose to move to a nursing home and she moved the same week as me."
"I see. So that's why their villa was empty and there was a for sale sign. But didn't she ask about the unicorns?"
"She probably didn't believe him. According to what she said, she had planned to break up because Magnus' drinking had increased recently. I've been asked if I want to go to the funeral but I've decided not to. I didn't know him that well."
"I understand. Yes, it's always hard when someone dies, no matter who it is."
Someone knocks on the balcony door and both Kajsa and Bertil turn around and it's Göran. Kajsa smiles and opens the door so that Göran can come out to them. Göran stands closest to Kajsa and she looks impressed.
"I didn't know you could rap so well."
"I was inspired by Ronaldo. He has his own home studio and we have rapped together. The lyrics we wrote turned out so-so, but I'm happy."
"It's important to be happy even if it's not perfect. It's never good to set too high standards for yourself"
"Hmm. You do that often, don't you?"
"It's possible, but I think I'm more determined than you and that's okay."
"Now you're embarrassing me. You probably don't know how stubborn I can be. Well, I wanted to ask you something."
"Ask my beloved brother."
"Well, i have decided to move to an own apartment and I've looked at several different places where there are cheap apartments. The cheapest I can find is "Nicky's apartments" but there have been a lot of articles about them in the newspaper and there haven't been any positive things. Despite that, I'm thinking about the area "Moddan". What do you think about it?"
"Hmm, there are a lot of students living in that area and even though it's cheap, I don't think it's that good. As you said, "Nicky's apartments" has received a lot of criticism and I think it's better that you invest in "home best" instead. They have higher rents but are generally good. The "Bergstoppen" area looks good even though I don't know anyone who lives there. It's close to the bus and the store and to your job."
"Okay, it might be worth checking out. I think Danny lives in that area but you don't know him. I can ask him if there are any good apartments. Another thing. Do you think I should get a driver's license?"
"You have to train hard and study all the road signs but once you get your driver's license it's a big step forward. Then you can drive a car and not have to take the bus and stuff."
"Well, I'll have to think about it."
Both Kajsa and Bertil think it's getting chilly and they decide to go back inside. Göran stays for a while before he goes in too, but the balcony door is left open in case any other guests want to go out onto the balcony.
Nils says that his dad will pick him up in 10 minutes and that he thinks the moving-in party was good. Göran thanks him once again for his Playstation. He knows it's expensive. Nils says goodbye to the other guests before going out into the hall and putting on his outerwear. Not all the guests know who Nils is, but they are polite and say goodbye as he leaves the living room. One of the other guests at the sofa excuses himself. He had wanted to stay longer but has to go home to his sick wife and children. His wife was supposed to come with him, but she had a fever and couldn't go with him. The children aren't sick, but they can't do without help for that long. Nils and the man leave the apartment together.
Gerd has written her songs lyrics on a piece of paper and she gives it to Bertil. There is more text on the paper but Gerd explains that she couldn't get the rest of the text to fit the melody. Bertil thanks her and puts the note on top of a low cupboard in the bedroom. Jack pauses the music and picks up the microphone that is on top of the party speaker
"Now it's time for coffee and cake for those who want. There are chips and other snacks for those who want it. The coffee and cake are in the kitchen and I thought I'd put the bowls of chips and snacks out here. I've filled up with more soda and if anyone wants any, just take from the soda bins."
Kajsa wants coffee and cake so she goes to the kitchen and she gets some for Göran while she's still there. Göran is happy when Kajsa puts a cup of coffee and a plate of cake next to him. The other guests go out to the kitchen but in turns so that it doesn't get too crowded. It's not fun to spill hot coffee. In the meantime, Jack sets out several bowls of chips and snacks. Kajsa likes the snacks that are shaped like a star and taste like sour cream and onion. Kajsa takes a whole handful of the snacks and puts them in her mouth. When she's finished chewing, she starts eating the cake and it's a delicious and juicy cake with lemon filling and soft meringues.
Kajsa has no idea if the cake is homemade or bought, but it's delicious. Jack sits down next to Kajsa and exhales. He looks a little sweaty. Kajsa remembers that she hasn't talked to Jack much today and she starts a conversation.
"Hey. You have a lot to do today. Does it feel good?"
"Absolutely. That's how we decided. Bertil has been standing by the stove cooking and fetching the exotic plank and other things. Göran has set out all the chairs and extra tables and he vacuumed the entire apartment before the guests arrived. That way, the three of us have helped each other."
"Good idea. You seem to have planned well."
"Yes, we're probably almost on Monika's level. She was good at planning things."
"Mmm. She would have felt proud if she had come over."
"When Bertil moved in, he let me decorate the apartment and, among other things, put the bookshelves where they work best. Bertil joked and said that I should become an interior designer."
"Okay, that's a good grade. The apartment looks well-planned."
Jack nods and looks satisfied. Kajsa continues to eat cake and Jack fills his plate. Some guests have finished eating and drinking and feel satisfied and they say goodbye to everyone before going out into the hall. They wish Bertil good luck and give him a big hug. Bertil is grateful that so many could come.
Ronaldo changes the music and shows how to break dance and he is really good. As an extra act, he imitates MIchael Jackson's moonsteps and he is good at it too.
Kajsa is starting to feel satisfied. She has been here for a while now and is longing to go home. Kajsa says goodbye to Bertil, Göran and Jack and the other guests. Gerd is also going home and Kajsa and she go to the hall. Gerd and Kajsa are talking to each other and it is probably the first time that Gerd has said more than a few words. She said almost nothing at Monika's funeral and has always been quiet at Bertil's and Monika's birthdays. Kajsa gets the impression that Gerd is a shy person but that she has begun to dare to be seen.
Kajsa and Gerd take the elevator and when they get outside the apartment building, Gerd wonders if Kajsa wants a ride home but she would rather walk. It takes her 10 minutes to walk home and then it feels unnecessary to get a ride.
Darkness has fallen and the stars are visible in the sky. Kajsa stops and looks at the starry sky and she thinks it is so beautiful and she takes out her mobile phone and takes a photograph. The air is chilly but fresh and somehow it feels like spring is on the way. Kajsa thinks about what this year will bring. Last year started well but ended sadly.
Kajsa thinks about a saying she has heard in a movie but the words are so true. "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get."
Kajsa walks on and soon she is home. The air in the stairs feels stuffy but gets fresher as she goes higher up. Kajsa thinks about tomorrow. Kajsa has planned an spontaneous trip. She plans to take the bus and get off wherever she wants. The bus goes through both Blekinge and Skåne, so she will have many different choices.
Kajsa enters her apartment and gets ready to put on her pajamas and snuggle up on the couch. She passes the painting with the light black unicorn and stops and looks at it. There are so many details in the photo that she could stand and look at it for hours.
Kajsa nods to herself. Mom made a good choice when she wanted to become a unicorn after death. She wonders what she herself wants to be when that day comes. Kajsa shrugs her shoulders. It feels a little awkward to start thinking about it already. She has her whole life ahead of her.
Kajsa sits in front of her TV and watches for a few hours and her yawns come more and more often. It's time to go to bed. As she goes to the bedroom, she passes the painting with the light black unicorn again and she gently pats the picture.
"Tomorrow I'm going on a spontaneous trip. You would have loved it. Good night and sleep well."
1 and a half months later
Kajsa is on her way to Bertil's apartment. It's the official moving-in party today even though he's been living there for almost two weeks. Bertil's apartment is so close to Kajsa's that it takes about 10 minutes to walk there. Kajsa has some moving-in presents with her, but also the clothes she borrowed from Bertil and two presents for Göran. Göran has had his birthday but hasn't been celebrated yet.
The snow that came in January and early February is gone so the road is no longer slippery. Kajsa thought about putting on her nice shoes but chose to put on her rough autumn shoes because they are warmer. Kajsa is wearing the same winter jacket as when she hit the unicorn but its blood has been washed away. Kajsa likes this jacket. It is the best.
Kajsa is wearing the red silk dress she found in her former room and she is also wearing the light blue earrings that look like long water drops. The color combination suits her and she feels happy. Her hair has started to return to its normal color and for once she feels comfortable being blonde. After all, it is not the hair color that tells who she is.
Kajsa passes a large playground but there are no children outside at this time of day because it is dark outside even though it is not evening. A week or so ago, Kajsa was here and tried the big swing and even though she is an adult, she thought it was fun. Kajsa had not planned to visit the playground. It just happened that way.
Kajsa has gathered courage and has contacted Martin and so far they have met twice. The first time was at a restaurant and the conversations there were light. It's easiest to talk about unprivate things in a restaurant because there are guests who can hear what you're talking about and waiters and other people walking around the tables. The second time they met in Kajsa's apartment and then the conversation became a little deeper and more private.
Kajsa thinks Martin seems nice but she doesn't want to rush anything between them. For now, they're dating and that's good enough. She's going to meet him next week and they'll be at his apartment. Kajsa is looking forward to the meeting.
Bertil has gotten his Ford back, but it took time. But it wasn't just because of the damage from the crash. Bertil was about to get his car back when the company that repaired the car received an important message from the car manufacturer.
It turned out that this car model had a serious defect that was only starting to show itself now. Due to poor welding during manufacturing, exhaust gases started to leak in from a few places under the back seat. The entire interior was taken out and a technician looked for the bad welding and finally found it. The leak was small at first but now it was so big that the driver risked dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. The leak was not because the exhaust pipe had cracked when the family had driven home from Ullared. The leak was already there then, but it was not as big.
The technician did a new weld and it stopped the leak. To be on the safe side, they let the car idle for a while and had instruments that checked to make sure that no exhaust gases were leaking in.
While Bertil was waiting to get his car back, Jack was helpful and lent his car so that Bertil could use a trailer and transport the things from the villa to the apartment. Bertil used the trailer that he and Jan had bought together and there were no problems when he needed to use it.
Göran was helpful in carrying many moving boxes and also some lighter furniture, but Jack and Bertil helped each other with the heavy furniture. Göran packed his things himself and each moving box held up even if he packed them a little too tightly. Göran threw away his broken stereo and bought the same type of party speaker that Kajsa has.
Kajsa has helped with the move but not much because Bertil said it wasn't necessary. A few times Bertil has seemed confused and not really in control and that has worried Kajsa. The possible dementia may have gotten worse but no one in the family has talked about it.
It was very easy to sell the villa. The area is attractive and the inside of the villa was fresh even though the villa was built in the 1930s. Bertil and Monika had taken good care of the villa, which meant that it didnt looked old. Bertil met lots of families when the villa was shown. In the end, it was the first family to visit the villa that bought it. Bertil thought they were so charming and nice. The only thing they complained about was that the dishwasher and dryer were very old, but Bertil assured them that they worked as they should and the family accepted it.
Bertil could see how the family was starting to create their new life and future as they walked around the villa and looked around, and it warmed his heart. These were the kind of people he wanted to sell to, not to those who wanted to renovate everything and thereby ruin the villa's charm. The mother and father were fascinated by the recreation room. They were old enough to know what it was and they hadn't seen one in many, many years. They seemed to like the tiled stove in the living room too. It's not common to have one like that these days. Bertil said that the tiled stove was approved for use and that the chimney had been cleaned barely a month ago.
The papers were signed and the new family became the owners of Bertil's villa even though they hadn't received the house key yet. Bertil had started moving when the papers were signed but he still had a few things to pick up. Bertil was standing outside the villa when the new family moved in and he wished them luck and then drove towards his apartment.
Göran has quit MacDonalds and got a job at a electronic store named Elgiganten but so far he is only on probation. The manager at MacDonalds didn't give him a good job rating but luckily the manager at elgiganten was willing to give him a chance and Göran has shown that he can work well. Göran is enjoying himself considerably better even though so far he has been given simpler tasks such as cleaning the floor, putting out cheap goods near the cash register and throwing used cardboard boxes in the recycling. Göran is positive about all the work he is told to do.
Bertil makes sure that Göran arrives at work on time even if he doesn't have to. Göran was deliberately late when he worked at MacDonald's and it was because he hated the job. Göran has chosen not to explain it because he has a new job even though he is on probation. He has only heard positive things from his colleagues so hopefully he will be hired permanently.
Göran has also stopped saying "nah" when he has been lazy and instead explaines that he is too lazy and comfortable and doesn't want to do what Bertil wants. That way they understand each other better.
Kajsa arrives at the gate of the apartment building and she enters the code that Bertil gave her and the gate opens automatically. Kajsa goes to the elevator and presses the fifth floor because that is where Bertil and Göran live. The elevator looks newly renovated and is quieter than the elevator in Kajsa's apartment building. When the elevator arrives, Kajsa goes to the apartment where Bertil and Göran live. There is soft music from the apartment when Kajsa rings the doorbell. It is Jack who opens and he is dressed nicely.
"Welcome, my dear."
"Thank you."
Kajsa takes off her jacket and hangs it in the hall and she soon sees the living room where the guests are. Bertil and Göran are not visible but there is noise from a kitchen so Kajsa guesses that they are there. On a round table there are several tall drinking glasses filled with cider and Kajsa takes a filled glass. There are small cheese cubes with toothpicks on a serving platter, but Kajsa doesn't want any cheese cubes.
Göran's party speaker is in the middle of the room and on top of it is a note and a mobile phone. Kajsa reads what is on the note. Visitors can choose what music they want to hear, provided it is on Spotify. Right now it is some hit album by Hasse Andersson.
Kajsa drinks some cider and talks to some of the people she knows. Most of them were at Monika's funeral. Göran comes out into the living room and greets Kajsa and some other newly arrived guests and opens a balcony door. It is very warm in the living room and most of the guests seem to welcome the cold. Göran is wearing an apron and he goes back to the kitchen but comes back soon and now he is not wearing an apron.
Göran goes out onto the balcony and Kajsa and some other guests follow. Göran looks out over the balcony and looks satisfied, Kajsa stands next to him and smiles.
"So, how do you feel now that you're a city dweller?"
"Well, I'm enjoying it here. The only negative is that it's far from Nils. I miss our late game nights. There's also more hustle and bustle in the evenings, but that's just fun, I think."
"And Bertil?"
"He's probably quite happy, apart from the fact that the storage room in the basement is minimal. He's used to having the recreation room as extra storage."
"I understand that. You have to downsize if you move from a large villa to an apartment. I had to do that myself when I moved from home."
"You're probably right. By the way, I saw you on TV the other night. What was it about?"
"Ah, well, the computer company I work for has been tested against others and it's one of Sweden's third best companies out of 10. The person who made the report filmed my boss and briefly in my office. My office is very close to my boss's office."
"Ah, I see. Your boss looks like Phil Collins."
"I know. He's been told that many times."
"You're so pretty. Those light blue earrings suit you perfectly."
"Thanks, I found them when I was cleaning out my previous room. At Bertil's. I forgot I had them."
"Wow, so cool. That red dress is badass. It suits you perfectly.."
"Heh, thanks."
Kajsa hears Jack clear his throat loudly and snap his fingers and she turns around. Göran turns around too. Jack is standing in the middle of the living room and when he and Kajsa make eye contact, he waves at her and Göran as if he wants them to come in. Kajsa and Göran and the other guests leave the balcony and go into the living room. Jack pauses the music and speaks.
"Now it's time for food. The food is in the kitchen and everyone can fill their plate with food and sit here in the living room. There is a buffet and there is a vegetarian option for those who don't eat meat. I hope the food tastes good. There are drinks in the soda bins and if anyone wants Sprite or Coca Cola, you can let us know and we will get it."
Several of the guests go out into the kitchen but Kajsa, Göran and Jack wait because they know it will be crowded in the kitchen. Suddenly the doorbell rings and Jack is surprised but goes and opens it. He thought everyone had come. It turns out to be Nils and he has a few smaller ones and a really big package with him. Nils hangs his jacket in the hall and goes out into the living room and goes straight to Göran.
"Hi buddy. Long time no see."
"Exactly. I didn't know you were coming but it's great that you're here."
"Ah, Dad forgot to answer the invitation. You know how he is."
"I know. He seems a little confused sometimes. By the way, there's food in the kitchen if you're hungry. There's a buffet."
"Well, I'm hungry so it's perfect. Dad's problems are due to PTSD."
The guests who went to the kitchen come back and they've filled their plates and Kajsa, Göran, Jack and Nils go to the kitchen. Bertil has set the table with exotic plank, homemade hot potato gratin, grilled chicken wings, skewers with grilled meat and vegetables, vegetarian skewers for those who don't eat meat, several different salads, hot and cold sauces and a cold potato salad. There are extra pineapple and grapes for those who want.
Kajsa fills her plate with food and goes out into the living room and gets a drink from the soda bin. Kajsa sits down at the big table because the sofa is almost full and she wants to have a proper seat. Göran, Jack and Nils also sit down at the table and they're joined by Ronaldo. Ronaldo is Göran´s friend and he is a hip hoper and wears his cap backwards. Kajsa thinks it is strange that he doesn't take off his cap. Everyone at the table eats with a good appetite.
All the visitors are talking over each other and it is difficult to hear what everyone is saying. Jack is usually good at starting sensible conversations but right now he is not saying much. Bertil comes out into the living room and he also has a plate of food but he does not sit down at the table but stands at the table where the cider glasses are. Bertil looks very happy.
When Kajsa's plate is empty, she goes to the kitchen and fills up with more food and the others at the table do the same. Göran excuses himself and gets something and when he comes back he has a microphone in his hand. He plugs the microphone into the party speaker and looks at Ronaldo. Ronaldo mumbles quietly
"Wait a minute. Let everyone finish eating first."
Kajsa is curious about why Göran got a microphone but she shrugs and continues eating. Those sitting on the sofa have finished eating and are sitting talking to each other. When Kajsa and the others' plates are empty, they sit quietly. Jack gets up and speaks.
"Now I thought there would be a gift giving and then Ronaldo and Göran would sing something but we'll start with the presents. I think we'll start with Kajsa since she's the oldest in the family."
Kajsa nods happily and takes out the moving-in present for Bertil. It's a painting that she's made herself and it illustrates the snow heart in the lawn and the family is gathered around the heart. Bertil is moved when he sees what it is and is impressed that Kajsa is so good at painting. Göran gets a digital pedometer because he said he wanted one.
Kajsa has another present that's at home and Bertil will get it later but not today because it would raise a lot of questions. Kajsa visited Ertegrottan earlier this week. She took the bus and got off at the nearest stop and then walked towards the forest. Kajsa chose not to go into anyone's garden when she went into the forest but used an older, almost overgrown path. It was a longer walk to Ertegrottan but Kajsa was free this day so she had time to get there without rushing.
When Kajsa arrived at the cave, she called the unicorns and the whole herd came out of the cave and greeted her. It was clear that they remembered her. Kajsa had a newly purchased camera with her and took several photographs of the black-haired unicorn and she promised not to show to anyone outside the family. Kajsa stayed for a long time, petting the unicorns and talking to them. When Kajsa got home, she printed out two of the photographs and put them in each of their paintings. Bertil will get one of the paintings.
Kajsa noticed that Magnus's villa looked empty and that there was a for sale sign outside the villa. Maybe Magnus and Berit also decided to move.
Jack has made a big basket with lots of biscuits and marmalades and Göran gets a massive book about the Alien films. Göran has shown great interest in this book. Göran has bought an invitation to a wine tasting and Bertil is happy about the gift. Göran gets a printer for his computer. Actually, he was supposed to get it last Christmas but Bertil had forgotten to buy it.
It's Nil's turn and he gives Bertil a big bottle of whiskey. Nils was unsure of what Bertil wanted but he had seen that Bertil had several bottles of whiskey when he visited Göran. It's Göran's turn and he is curious about the big gift that Nils brings out. Göran can't believe his eyes when he opens the gift. It's the newest Playstation. Nils looks at Göran and nods.
"That's what it says on the packaging. I insisted you get this because I know how much you like to play. That's right, here's another present. I wanted you to open this first."
Nils takes out another present and gives it to Göran. This present is not as big. Göran opens the present and sees that there are two Playstation games. They are "Alien Isolation" and "Zombie Breakout". Göran loves both games. Bertil looks at the covers.
"Huh, they look so scary. You can play those in your room with headphones on. I get scared easily when I see and hear things like that."
Göran smiles when Bertil says that he thinks the games look scary. Bertil dislikes horror movies but he likes detective stories. Luckily, Göran has his own TV in his room so he can watch whatever he wants.
It's time for the other guests to give moving-in gifts and the closest relatives have each brought a gift for Göran. The gifts vary quite a bit. Some seem to have thought about what they might want while others have been comfortable and bought something simple. Of course, it's the thought that counts, but Göran wonders why he gets certain gifts, such as a vase with a flower. It's far from what he wanted, but he thanks the vase with the flower just as nicely as the rest he gets.
The guests' murmur increases after the gifts have been handed out and some of the guests seem impatient because nothing new is happening. Göran thinks it's a good time to introduce the song that he and Ronaldo have made and he nods at Ronaldo and stands at the party speaker and picks up the microphone. Ronaldo stands next to him. Göran starts talking.
"Well, Ronaldo and I have made a song called moving-in rap and we were going to sing it now. Hope you like it."
Göran picks up his mobile phone and searches the music folder and finds what he is looking for. Soon a fast-paced, almost reggae-like song comes out of the speaker and Göran starts to sing along, with Ronaldo helping out in a few places. Göran looks a little worried at first but soon gets the feeling.
"Yo dad said we're moving so i just had to go with it (Ohh Ohh)
We moved from a villa to a gray concrete community and it was good (Concrete)
Now I'm standing here and I want to give everyone a thumbs up (He wants to give a thumbs up)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and everything seems better (yes better)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and maybe I'll like it here (like it here)
Yo, the move didn't bring any chill and I was carrying my own burden (His own burden)
Now I'm standing in the living room looking at gray concrete but everything is fine (So fine)
I'm not a gansta but I like the concrete because it feels safe (He's safe)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and everything seems better (yes better)
Brother, this is a moving-in rap and maybe I'll like it here (like it here)"
The song ends and it gets strangely quiet, but then Kajsa and Jack start clapping their hands and the other guests follow suit and do the same. Bertil looks very surprised but also claps his hands. Göran never told anyone that he and Ronaldo had made this song. Göran is sweaty but looks happy and he and Ronaldo clap their hands to celebrate that it turned out well.
Göran is just about to start Spotify again when he hears one of the guests shout, wait. It's Gerd and she's a member of the family. Gerd gets up from the couch and goes over to Göran and she explains that she would like to sing a song but that she needs help connecting her mobile phone to the speaker. Gerd's youngest daughter has made an instrumental melody that Gerd will sing to. Göran is helpful and connects Gerd's mobile phone and gives her the microphone.
Gerd is short and has long, flowing, red hair. She has big round glasses that were popular in the 1970s or 1980s and they may have suited her then but not now. Gerd doesn't look the least bit attractive. She looks like an old strict teacher from the 1970s who has gone through a time machine to our century. It's a shame because she is a very kind person. Gerd speaks up.
"Hi, I,m going to sing a song called "If We Met Again". Actually, I was going to sing it at Monika's funeral but I was too moved by what the priest said and the instrumental music I'm singing to wasn't quite ready. Yes, I hope you think it's okay for me to sing it here."
Everyone in the room nods. They want to hear Gerd's song. Gerd starts the instrumental music and soon a quiet ballad is heard from the loudspeaker. Kajsa thinks she recognizes the basic melody but she can't identify it and it annoys her. Gerd starts singing.
"You disappeared so suddenly from our earth.
There was so much I wanted to tell you.
But now you are lying in the coffin and are about to be buried.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
If we met again, then we would run on the green meadow
Then we would play like children and have fun like few.
You and I could talk for hours about everything and nothing.
Now it is quiet around me and I miss your voice.
I call your number to see if you answer but I get no answer.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
Ohhhh. I miss you so. I miss you so my friend.
If we met again, then we would run on the green meadow
Then we would play like children and have fun like few."
Gerd's voice is thin and fragile at first but soon it becomes firm and fills the entire living room. Gerd's voice is really strong when she pushes her vocal chords when she sings the chorus. Most of the guests get teary-eyed and especially Kajsa and Bertil get teary-eyed because it's such a nice text and melody. You can see that Jack is touched but he doesn't cry. Göran has his head half turned away and he's probably crying too but doesn't want to show it.
Kajsa still thinks she recognizes the basic melody but she has stopped thinking about what song it might be. The lyrics are most important here. When the song ends, there is thunderous applause from everyone and Gerd looks a little embarrassed but smiles broadly. She is not the type who usually gets a lot of attention at parties and events. Gerd nods and thanks everyone for the applause and goes out onto the balcony to be alone for a while. Kajsa thinks Gerd was incredibly brave to sing this song.
Göran goes to the party speaker and disconnects Gerd's mobile phone and reconnects his own and starts Spotify again. Hasse Andersson starts singing again. Göran goes out onto the balcony and gives Gerd his mobile phone and she looks happy. Gerd smokes a cigarette but soon comes back in and sits on the sofa where she was sitting before. The other guests greet her in a completely new way now that they have heard how well she can sing.
Kajsa thinks Hasse Andersson makes okay music but she decides to change music anyway and she goes to Göran's mobile phone and searches for a group she wants to hear. Soon she finds the group and there are several albums with them and she chooses one of them. The group is called Blackmore's night. This is folk rock and it reminds her of older folk songs and Kajsa thinks it fits perfectly. Kajsa presses play and the music starts playing.
Bertil looks hot and he goes out onto the balcony and Kajsa follows. No one else seems to want to go out onto the balcony so Kajsa closes the balcony door. Bertil stands by the railing and looks out over the area and the apartment buildings and he looks relieved. Kajsa stands next to Bertil and is about to start talking but Bertil starts talking first.
"Wow. This moving-in party is working out better than I thought it would. It was Göran and Jack's idea for us to have it, while I was a little more hesitant. I almost never have parties or be the center of attention except for my birthday.
"Mmm. Maybe you should go out and meet people and create a bigger social circle, but that's not what I wanted to talk about. You'll get another present, but not today. It's a painting."
"Oh, that's cool. Is that something you painted yourself?"
"No, I visited Ertegrottan earlier this week and took several photographs of the light black unicorn. I printed the best one on my printer and made it into a painting. I thought it would raise questions if you got it today when the guests were here. If you want, you can hang it in the bedroom. There´s usually no guests there so no unauthorized person can see it."
"Oh, you're so kind and thoughtful. The painting would mean a lot to me, but I'm also happy about the painting with the snow heart. How was she?
"Well, she and the other unicorns seemed to be doing well. They recognized me right away. I chose not to go into anyone's garden when I went to the forest, but I went in via the almost overgrown path. The one near the playground."
"Ah, Raffe's path, as it's called. Wasn't it hard to get in there?"
"Well, I had to fight with the vegetation, but I got in."
Bertil laughs.
"Heh, you've always been determined and sometimes very stubborn. You don't give up until you succeed. Oh by the way. I realized I didn't tell you. Magnus saw when the unicorns were on our lawn and made the snow heart. According to Berit, he was standing on his glassed-in porch watching, but Berit didn't see the unicorns because she was in the kitchen cooking. She thought Magnus should calm down when he was standing there yelling at her.
"Okay, but did he call a newspaper or film it?"
"He probably didn't think about it. Magnus came running to the kitchen and wanted to pull Berit with him so she could see too, but suddenly he groaned and grabbed his chest and sank to the floor. Berit tried to wake him up again and called 911. Magnus suffered a severe heart attack. The ambulance arrived a few minutes after you and Jack had left and they pronounced him dead on the spot. Berit got sad and talked to me, but I didn't show the snowheart or told her about the unicorns. Berit chose to move to a nursing home and she moved the same week as me."
"I see. So that's why their villa was empty and there was a for sale sign. But didn't she ask about the unicorns?"
"She probably didn't believe him. According to what she said, she had planned to break up because Magnus' drinking had increased recently. I've been asked if I want to go to the funeral but I've decided not to. I didn't know him that well."
"I understand. Yes, it's always hard when someone dies, no matter who it is."
Someone knocks on the balcony door and both Kajsa and Bertil turn around and it's Göran. Kajsa smiles and opens the door so that Göran can come out to them. Göran stands closest to Kajsa and she looks impressed.
"I didn't know you could rap so well."
"I was inspired by Ronaldo. He has his own home studio and we have rapped together. The lyrics we wrote turned out so-so, but I'm happy."
"It's important to be happy even if it's not perfect. It's never good to set too high standards for yourself"
"Hmm. You do that often, don't you?"
"It's possible, but I think I'm more determined than you and that's okay."
"Now you're embarrassing me. You probably don't know how stubborn I can be. Well, I wanted to ask you something."
"Ask my beloved brother."
"Well, i have decided to move to an own apartment and I've looked at several different places where there are cheap apartments. The cheapest I can find is "Nicky's apartments" but there have been a lot of articles about them in the newspaper and there haven't been any positive things. Despite that, I'm thinking about the area "Moddan". What do you think about it?"
"Hmm, there are a lot of students living in that area and even though it's cheap, I don't think it's that good. As you said, "Nicky's apartments" has received a lot of criticism and I think it's better that you invest in "home best" instead. They have higher rents but are generally good. The "Bergstoppen" area looks good even though I don't know anyone who lives there. It's close to the bus and the store and to your job."
"Okay, it might be worth checking out. I think Danny lives in that area but you don't know him. I can ask him if there are any good apartments. Another thing. Do you think I should get a driver's license?"
"You have to train hard and study all the road signs but once you get your driver's license it's a big step forward. Then you can drive a car and not have to take the bus and stuff."
"Well, I'll have to think about it."
Both Kajsa and Bertil think it's getting chilly and they decide to go back inside. Göran stays for a while before he goes in too, but the balcony door is left open in case any other guests want to go out onto the balcony.
Nils says that his dad will pick him up in 10 minutes and that he thinks the moving-in party was good. Göran thanks him once again for his Playstation. He knows it's expensive. Nils says goodbye to the other guests before going out into the hall and putting on his outerwear. Not all the guests know who Nils is, but they are polite and say goodbye as he leaves the living room. One of the other guests at the sofa excuses himself. He had wanted to stay longer but has to go home to his sick wife and children. His wife was supposed to come with him, but she had a fever and couldn't go with him. The children aren't sick, but they can't do without help for that long. Nils and the man leave the apartment together.
Gerd has written her songs lyrics on a piece of paper and she gives it to Bertil. There is more text on the paper but Gerd explains that she couldn't get the rest of the text to fit the melody. Bertil thanks her and puts the note on top of a low cupboard in the bedroom. Jack pauses the music and picks up the microphone that is on top of the party speaker
"Now it's time for coffee and cake for those who want. There are chips and other snacks for those who want it. The coffee and cake are in the kitchen and I thought I'd put the bowls of chips and snacks out here. I've filled up with more soda and if anyone wants any, just take from the soda bins."
Kajsa wants coffee and cake so she goes to the kitchen and she gets some for Göran while she's still there. Göran is happy when Kajsa puts a cup of coffee and a plate of cake next to him. The other guests go out to the kitchen but in turns so that it doesn't get too crowded. It's not fun to spill hot coffee. In the meantime, Jack sets out several bowls of chips and snacks. Kajsa likes the snacks that are shaped like a star and taste like sour cream and onion. Kajsa takes a whole handful of the snacks and puts them in her mouth. When she's finished chewing, she starts eating the cake and it's a delicious and juicy cake with lemon filling and soft meringues.
Kajsa has no idea if the cake is homemade or bought, but it's delicious. Jack sits down next to Kajsa and exhales. He looks a little sweaty. Kajsa remembers that she hasn't talked to Jack much today and she starts a conversation.
"Hey. You have a lot to do today. Does it feel good?"
"Absolutely. That's how we decided. Bertil has been standing by the stove cooking and fetching the exotic plank and other things. Göran has set out all the chairs and extra tables and he vacuumed the entire apartment before the guests arrived. That way, the three of us have helped each other."
"Good idea. You seem to have planned well."
"Yes, we're probably almost on Monika's level. She was good at planning things."
"Mmm. She would have felt proud if she had come over."
"When Bertil moved in, he let me decorate the apartment and, among other things, put the bookshelves where they work best. Bertil joked and said that I should become an interior designer."
"Okay, that's a good grade. The apartment looks well-planned."
Jack nods and looks satisfied. Kajsa continues to eat cake and Jack fills his plate. Some guests have finished eating and drinking and feel satisfied and they say goodbye to everyone before going out into the hall. They wish Bertil good luck and give him a big hug. Bertil is grateful that so many could come.
Ronaldo changes the music and shows how to break dance and he is really good. As an extra act, he imitates MIchael Jackson's moonsteps and he is good at it too.
Kajsa is starting to feel satisfied. She has been here for a while now and is longing to go home. Kajsa says goodbye to Bertil, Göran and Jack and the other guests. Gerd is also going home and Kajsa and she go to the hall. Gerd and Kajsa are talking to each other and it is probably the first time that Gerd has said more than a few words. She said almost nothing at Monika's funeral and has always been quiet at Bertil's and Monika's birthdays. Kajsa gets the impression that Gerd is a shy person but that she has begun to dare to be seen.
Kajsa and Gerd take the elevator and when they get outside the apartment building, Gerd wonders if Kajsa wants a ride home but she would rather walk. It takes her 10 minutes to walk home and then it feels unnecessary to get a ride.
Darkness has fallen and the stars are visible in the sky. Kajsa stops and looks at the starry sky and she thinks it is so beautiful and she takes out her mobile phone and takes a photograph. The air is chilly but fresh and somehow it feels like spring is on the way. Kajsa thinks about what this year will bring. Last year started well but ended sadly.
Kajsa thinks about a saying she has heard in a movie but the words are so true. "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get."
Kajsa walks on and soon she is home. The air in the stairs feels stuffy but gets fresher as she goes higher up. Kajsa thinks about tomorrow. Kajsa has planned an spontaneous trip. She plans to take the bus and get off wherever she wants. The bus goes through both Blekinge and Skåne, so she will have many different choices.
Kajsa enters her apartment and gets ready to put on her pajamas and snuggle up on the couch. She passes the painting with the light black unicorn and stops and looks at it. There are so many details in the photo that she could stand and look at it for hours.
Kajsa nods to herself. Mom made a good choice when she wanted to become a unicorn after death. She wonders what she herself wants to be when that day comes. Kajsa shrugs her shoulders. It feels a little awkward to start thinking about it already. She has her whole life ahead of her.
Kajsa sits in front of her TV and watches for a few hours and her yawns come more and more often. It's time to go to bed. As she goes to the bedroom, she passes the painting with the light black unicorn again and she gently pats the picture.
"Tomorrow I'm going on a spontaneous trip. You would have loved it. Good night and sleep well."
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 50 x 50px
File Size 18.7 kB
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