Paula Broome
‘wanderlust’ photo series
3. Vienna, Europe
Elias and Lena were doing their Christmas shopping. They had lived in
Vienna all their lives and frequented the same shops as always, the ones
that hadn’t changed hands, very much creatures of habit. Lena loved
Christmas even though she had lost her mother around that time some
years ago. She would buy traditional gifts for her grandchildren, never
quite keeping up with the times. Elias didn’t much like shopping, but
tolerated the annual ritual to appease his wife. Having been married
twice before, he was more selective over his battles. Besides, he looked
forward to drinks and a cigar once they were done.
Lena made a special effort when going out for the day. Elias had bought
her a fur coat for her 40th birthday and she kept it in immaculate
condition. Her cheeks had more blush than usual and she had visited
the hair salon the day before. For Lena, appearances were everything.
She had encountered tragedy in her life but only those very close to her
knew that. There wasn’t a day in her life where she looked less than
pristine.
Elias, on the other hand, looked more weathered. His face reflected
his lifestyle of smoking and drinking and working outdoors. He had
met Lena in a local bar, where she had taken a second job to support
her family single handedly. It wasn’t a great romance. After a second
divorce, Elias didn’t much like being on his own, the lack of a female
influence obvious in his appearance.
For Lena, she relished the attention and someone to share the burden
with. Their love was muted but real. Lena gripped her husband’s arm
tighter, as they turned the corner and disappeared from my view – and
I adjusted my mind, back to reality.