Tina
Chapter 1
Yerevan 2019
A six-year-old girl with light brown curly hair wore a sweet rose-colored summer dress as she jumped around in a meadow. The leafy trees swayed in the breeze as her mother walked gracefully beside her, sharing in the moment’s joy. Her mom released her hand and stepped back, leaving the girl confused and scared.
With curiosity replacing the fear, the girl continued. As she walked, a storm broke out, drenching her. She panicked and paused when a tree swayed before her. Intrigued, she rushed toward it, but the tree collapsed. To her horror, a hideous creature with wide-open eyes jumped out from under its roots, staring at her with a menacing expression as if preparing to attack. The girl screamed in terror.
Tina
Tina woke up and sat in her bed. Cold sweat had frozen across her forehead. “Oh, the nightmare again!”
She reclined for a moment before rushing to the bathroom. Soon after, she was prepared to leave.
“I will find him, even though I might be disappointed afterward,” Tina whispered as she left.
* * *
Tina entered a bookstore in an old historical building in Yerevan. With its vintage ambiance, the charming interior welcomed her and made her feel at home.
The building’s old, dark walls held stories of generations past. Their texture and color conveyed the passage of time and the many memories imprinted upon them. New and used books cluttered every surface and formed peculiar towers on the floor.
The fragrant scent of fresh coffee filled the air, creating a delightful atmosphere for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. An open window allowed the noise of the street to sneak in, contrasting with the tranquility of the historic building.
The storekeeper, an older gentleman with a warm smile, approached her, ready to share the tales behind some of the store’s most captivating treasures.
“How can I assist you, young lady? Are you in search of a particular book?” the storekeeper asked.
“I’m just looking for some books to relax with,” Tina said with a smile as she strolled into the store.
Her outfit perfectly complemented her hair, creating a harmonious and natural look. A chunky rust-colored sweater draped effortlessly, and her pants were a rich earthy olive green. She had also added a camel-brown wool coat. Her makeup had a natural glow, with soft browns and warm peaches highlighting her features, and her hazel eyes shimmered with an expressive shine, emphasizing the rich walnut color of her wavy hair.
The floorboards creaked as she walked, giving the room a nostalgic vibe. The building seemed to whisper stories of everyone who had walked through it over the centuries.
Tina approached the hand-carved Armenian furniture and wooden bookshelves with unsteady steps. She wanted to find the book that would illuminate her search.
She walked toward the literature section and scanned the titles of the books. Tina had already delved into most Armenian classics, but this time, she had a clear idea of what she needed.
Her eyes danced across rows upon rows of titles, searching for the book her mother’s first husband had published, which she had learned about yesterday.
She was attracted to a small blue book titled Big Explosion (Mets Paytyun).
“Who is Aram Avagyan?” she asked the storekeeper.
“It is your luck. The book by Mr. Aram Avagyan is the last one; it has been in our collection for quite some time now. We had a good sale,” he said.
“Do you know how to get in touch with him?”
“I have heard the author is in a mental hospital now. He tried to end his life, but the doctors saved him.” The storekeeper added, “His poetry holds many hidden secrets.”
She exclaimed, “This is it!” her eyes shining with happiness.
The day before, her mom’s cousin, Miss Mary, had described the directions to this store, including the section and the title where she would find the book.
Tina stared at the book for a few minutes, lost in thought.
* * *
After the revolution in Armenia,[1] many Armenians from the diaspora returned. Some people planned their return, and many returned. Tina was among them. She returned from Glendale, California, and rented an apartment in Yerevan on the street named after the famous Armenian composer Komitas.
Solitary and less sociable, she enjoyed standing by the window at sunset, watching the city go by. She admired the stunning view of the enchanting city’s beautiful historic buildings.
The owner had remodeled and furnished the apartment in a contemporary, minimalistic style. White shelves filled with books stretched from floor to ceiling. Tina bought some missing items from the furniture store in her neighborhood.
Tina’s favorite place was a cozy reading nook with a comfortable armchair. Soft natural light filtered through sheer curtains, creating a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a young woman who loves books and seeks solace in quiet moments.
After returning home from the bookstore, Tina made her preferred salad and completed all her chores.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow, the city lights gradually came alive, painting the streets in a mesmerizing display. It was as if a skilled wizard had enchanted the lanterns, their warm glow illuminating the night sky.
A cold snap revived a distant memory: an unusually harsh winter, streets dark, deserted, a magician’s oversight. The wish to capture these emotions welled inside Tina, urging her to reach for her notepad on her desk. She found refuge in writing, where she could express her profound feelings. Back in Armenia, a new chapter awaited her in her diary, which transported her to the past on the wings of cozy evenings. Some might call it nostalgia, but it was a chance for Tina to relive life’s precious moments.
With her eyes closed, she almost heard the delicate tap of snowflakes against the windowpane, the memory of their gentle crunch under her feet resonating in her mind. The serene silence of the snow-covered landscape seeped into her soul, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Her diary’s pages offered a quiet reminder: “Past struggles need not be shared. Just write them.”
[1] In April 2018, Armenia experienced peaceful protests known as the Velvet Revolution, which led to the resignation of the prime minister (PM) and former president, Serzh Sargsyan.
