I have always thought you're special, enigmatic, and unfathomable. I have loved that mystery in you and often have found myself in it. I hid the most beautiful moments from my school days in your streets. We shared joy, happiness, melancholy, sadness, nostalgia, we shared everything. You always opened your hands, when I was coming back and you never turned your back on me. You were a city that never sleeps, a city that breathes fully and easily, a city that connects, and a city that loves.
Now I'm looking at you from the window, but I can't see you well. Something has changed. An unknown silence struck you.
The Sava still looks at the Danube but has lowered her head. Kalemegdan doesn't allow trees to bloom because there are no children to play together in the park, couples to sit on benches, pensioners to play chess. Zemun is sad because his quay has lost the unique energy, unlike any other part of the city. Ada fell asleep because someone had stolen her sun.
Kosutnjak is heartbroken because of Ada. The Knez Mihailova Street got lost her happy wrinkles, which were replaced by worried faces. You still shine but only on the surface. You still smile, but just so that we don't notice your concerns. You still spread your arms but they tremble. You still love us but startled.
I always had a hard time leaving you, I missed you no matter where I was.
We love you because you are special and unique. We love you because you're the most beautiful city in the world. We love you because you have something exceptional.
Don't let your smile get off your face, because you know that holes on your cheeks are the most beautiful. Don't let your hands lose warmness and rush towards us with uncertainty. Just embrace us tightly and don't be afraid.
We'll overcome this period together, you know that is not our first time...
The text was written during Covid-19
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