every time when I come home (to visit my parents), this little girl scrutinizes me from a “traditional” picture taken in the classroom during the communist era, which has been hanging on the wall for years and years… so, today I asked my parents – did I ever smile when I was a child or I was serious like that all the time? they say that, actually, I was like that (oh, I hoped in vain that they would say that not all the time – but I’ve seen myself in other pictures as well, so I could guess the answer!). fact is that I don’t remember laughing when I was a child – which does not mean that I was sad. maybe I was just a little more self-consciuos than others… they say that even if I was playing with other children, I preferred books and especially drawing (for hours and hours) and I was not interested so much in other toys… eyes wide open, growing up and strong too early… when did I forget to smile? and, then, when did I learn to smile again? even if she’s looking at me like that, all I would like to do is to embrace this little girl for a long, long time…

sim