Author: Lucija Boljkovac, OŠ Antuna Mihanovića Osijek
Aria was always a good girl, afraid of upsetting her parents, she never broke the rules and never did anything adventurous. That changed after she came to Osijek, Croatia. Aria met Fabijan on a warm summer afternoon walking through the crowd at the annual extreme sport competition “Panonnian Challenge”, where he was a competitor. They quickly developed crushes on each other, walking hand in hand, gazing into each others eyes, not a care in the world. This is part of the story of Fabijan and Aria and how he helped her spread her wings.
It was a warm, autumn day. Aria was walking in her bright pink dress down the cold, rocky paved street in “Tvrdja” going to mass. Going through “Tvrda” she couldn’t help but look at the many landmarks she passed (Archeological museum, Shell museum, the Plague column and others) and think about the historic as well as the emotional value this place possessed. This town had grown close to her heart in the short six months she’s been here, and it was all because of him.
Fabijan made her want to stay here after her original plans included only a two week visit to her aunt`s house. He showed her the co-cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul at the main, Starcevic square in the middle of the town, in front of which they shared their first kiss. She often found herself lost in thought, remembering everything they’ve done together so far and all the possibilities of what they could do next.
Sitting in Mass, instead of listening to the pastor she can`t help but let her mind wander off into thought of the long walks through all the beautiful parks that fill Osijek and breath life into it. She faintly remembers them going to “Kopacki rit”, a nearby national park and being amazed by all the wildlife that surrounds this area. Suddenly she’s snapped back into reality, as mass ended, by her aunt who urges her to start walking towards the exit . That`s when she realized Fabijan wasn`t at mass today. Strange, maybe he overslept? Other potential excuses cascade through her mind, as to why he wasn`t at the mass, some terribly sad that almost make her cry. She anxiously checks her phone in case he might have texted her about his whereabouts.
Serendipitously, at that moment, her phone rings with a text notification. “Meet me at THE fountain” it says. For a moment she’s unsure as to which fountain the text is referring to – since Osijek is full of beautiful fountains explored with Fabijan that always reminded her of art that she’d seen described in many books and articles. She notices the emphasis on THE fountain and decides to go to the nearest one which is surrounded by marble benches to which she connects many fond memories, most of which include her and Fabijan talking for hours at a time just sitting on the dark, cold marble. She arrives at the fountain and is surprised to see Fabijan with two large backpacks full of various supplies. He quickly explains that he organized a tour of Slavonija, and most of its historical landmarks, at least those one can see in a month`s travel. He explains that he’s already talked to her family about everything and that if it’s alright with her they could leave on their unexpected adventure right away. They would be visiting Krapina and it’s Neanderthal museum, Papuk nature park and many more destinations. Entering the car Aria paused because she couldn’t help but look back at the beginning of her stay in Osijek. Osijek has not only taught her its beauty and wonderful history, but also to live in the moment. You never a nearby national park know who you might meet or adventures that await. Aria and Fabijan drive away into the sunset in his bright red baby fiat unaware of what’s to come but excited by the possibilities.
