He reached the banks of the Aare River, its waters flowing swiftly and silently past the medieval bridges. He sat down on a bench, the cold stone a welcome contrast to the warmth of his memories. He closed his eyes, the sound of the rushing water a soothing balm to his troubled mind.
"I deserved this," he whispered, his voice a mere breath in the stillness of the afternoon. "I lost her. I lost my chance."
He opened his eyes, the vastness of the Swiss sky a stark reminder of his own smallness. He had been so focused on his own pain, so consumed by his own grief, that he had forgotten to look beyond himself. He had forgotten to appreciate the beauty of the world around him, the simple joys of life.
He stood up, the pain still present, but less overwhelming. He had taken a step, a small st
