The visit

Bella! Bella, come! Run, it's time to go home... Good girl. - Emilia hugged Bella who obediently ran to her. It is a lovely Siberian Husky who mostly loves the coldest season of the year, though autumn also brings her a lot of happy moments here in the green spot of the city, in the park. They call it the lungs of the city, giving that much-needed oxygen to the citizens of Madrid. For Emilia and her husband, it is a place where they can spend the mornings, strolling in peace while Bella explores all around the huge park.

Years are leaving some marks on their bodies. These days their bones feel the upcoming rain or the wind and give signals in the form of pain in the dawn. Well, that's time to wake up then - to Bella's great pleasure. The city and the park, the bakery on the corner and the whole neighbourhood are waiting for her snout. Sometimes Mario stays at home and only Emilia accompanies Bella on her canine adventures.

That day the breakfast was already waiting when they entered the kitchen of their wide and beautifully decorated home. Emilia bought a fresh baguette and everything seemed much brighter than usual. After breakfast, they painted in the atelier for a while, then took a shower, found some nice clothes and listened to their daughter's favourite piece. It was Ravel and the piece where she debuted as a young oboist in the orchestra just after high school. Alicia stood out with her talent from an early age and they could not hide their delight and pride each time this piece resonated between the tall walls of the living room.

Oh, Emilia! Let me see your eyes, don't hide those jewels - Mario gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. - Such emotional moments, I know... we are visiting Alicia today!

For several moments they were looking at themselves in the mirror. An elegant, elderly couple stood there with their hands intertwined. Just some decades ago they would shine with the same spirit, with the same unconditional and supporting love, the only thing that changed was the hair colour and wrinkled face. They were ready to go, leaving this time Bella at home, as they used to do every time while going to Alicia's place.

The taxi left the elegant couple by the imposing wrought iron gate. Familiar names were greeting them, one by one. They knew all of them by heart and would spot every little change. As always, Emilia was carrying a cloth bag with their favourite cake, wrapped in a clean tea towel and some cushions, just in case. Sitting with Alicia until late... their old bones would appreciate those soft cushions. They would tell her all about the new paintings they were creating and the new style that Mario was discovering in those old days. The visitors in the latest exposition simply loved that new touch and Emilia was more than proud of the success her husband achieved.

Emilia also revealed a secret - they would go on a cruise trip to Greece, next week before the bad weather makes the sea more difficult to sail. An additional exciting thing was that some of their artworks would be exposed on the cruiser. But it is just one week, and they will be back here, as soon as they arrive in Madrid... Their usual visit will happen over and over again with the cake packed in the tea towel, with love wrapped in stories, and with music in their heart.