‘So, to celebrate today, I’ve brought along something nice too.’ He pulls a piece of fabric out of the backpack and unwraps it, and two long-stemmed glasses are revealed. Then he grabs his pack again, takes out a green bottle, and gets straight to work on it. The cork jumps out with a loud plop, and Jens pours the liquid into the glasses. It looks bright yellow and spurts out quite nicely.

‘Here you go: champagne! A beautiful drink for a beautiful lady!’

Caroline giggles, looking a little embarrassed, then she takes the glass Jens gives her.

‘Thank you. And – thanks for this good idea.’

‘I’m the one who should be thanking you! I’m so glad that our date worked out after all. And now: here’s to a great day!’

They clink their glasses.

‘Yes, to a great day.’

•

When we get back home late in the evening, I’m tired, but feeling fabulous. For the first time in my life, I’ve gone swimming in a river, which is much harder than in a lake. While I was in the water, I almost caught a fish. I ran until I saw the sheep. Jens threw at least a hundred thousand sticks for me. I munched on pork sausage and strawberry tart in addition to dog food. I lounged around and dozed off on the comfy picnic blanket, and just watched Jens and Caroline talk. And at some point, all three of us were lying on the blanket, looking up at the sky, watching the moon rise and later the sun slowly sinking into the big river. It was the perfect day.

Now I’m lolling about on the couch in the apartment, covered with sand, and I’m really happy. Caroline puts the empty picnic basket back into the kitchen and then goes to the little box next to the telephone that tells people who called while they were out. You have two new messages. First new message.

‘Hi, sweetie, it’s Nina! So, how was it? I’m dying of curiosity! Call me right away!’

Second new message.

‘Hello, Caroline, it’s Marc Wagner. You know, the trusty old vet. Just wanted to find out whether we’re still on for Wednesday. Shall we get a bite to eat before the concert? On Wednesdays I always close a little earlier, and I could come and pick you up. Speak to you soon, I hope.’

There are no more messages.

Marc Wagner – I’d already forgotten about him. And if Caroline’s being efficient about finding a mate, she might as well cancel the appointment. Jens makes a fine impression; I couldn’t find any fault with him today. He smelled good, his hair was combed, and he had on clean clothes, so why waste time on that unappealing Wagner? And Caroline definitely had a good time too. I haven’t seen her so happy and relaxed in ages. So go ahead and call Wagner and cancel! But Caroline looks hesitant. She gazes at the black box, lost in thought, then she grabs the telephone.