Zurich

She put down the receiver. „I am afraid he has left already, but we bring it up to your room now,“ had the receptionist said. Before, she had asked them explicitly to let her know as soon as he arrived. She wanted to meet him and say thank you personally. It was a rare opportunity to meet like-minded people. 

• 

If I hurry, maybe I could still catch him? No way, she dismissed the thought as soon as it came. I am on the 19th floor – by the time I make it downstairs, he will be long gone. Suddenly she knew. It had been the young man with the glasses, by the door. She knew he was walking below, thinking of her. „Thank you!“ she said out loud and smiled. He would get the message, she was certain.

Marcus Lippe walked the short distance back to the station. Why had he not returned it to her in person? She had been behind him on the train, he had been in the passage to the door. When he noticed her presence and turned to make space, she just stood there, engrossed in a book. Like all strangers, she had risen when the station was announced and had shouldered her luggage. It always took at least another minute before the train actually arrived at the station. While he studied her, she had suddenly looked up, straight into his eyes. She smiled. He was startled. 

When the train continued, he had walked to the place where she had been sitting. There he found her mobile. He had carefully considered about what to do. Lost and found? Police? 

Then Anesu had called. Who might that be? He had not dared to answer, he was such a coward. Pling. While he had again pondered his next move, the phone had given the answer. Her next appointment, Swissotel, 19h. Address included. He had made his way there and left the phone at the reception. The receptionist had thanked him quite warmly, he seemed to be in the picture and even offered that he wait around for her to come down. He had just shaken his head and excused himself. He could have at least left a note with his number; then she could have decided. He stopped abruptly: Thank you! she would have said, and given him that smile again, he was sure. Marcus Lippe continued on his way. The S-Bahn just arrived.