Dagboek van Willem

At one o'clock it is lunchtime. I eat the sandwiches that I have prepared at home. Two sandwiches with cheese and two with chocolate sprinkles. I drink water and listen to the radio at low volume. I eat calmly and rest up for five minutes. Then I drink a cup of coffee and go back to work.

At half past one I go back to the office. In the afternoon more people come. A family asks me where they can buy bread. I say: the bakery is near the town hall. Then a lady asks for the bus timetable. I look at the sheet and give an answer. On the phone I speak slowly and clearly. If I can help, I feel useful and satisfied.

At four o’clock I am done with work. I turn off the computer, tidy up the papers, and clean the office a bit. I turn off the light and lock the door. Outside it is cool, but the air is nice. I walk through the streets of the village and smell the scent of firewood. I am tired, but also satisfied with the day.

At five o’clock I do my shopping in the village shop. I buy bread, vegetables, cheese, and fruit. At the counter I run into Marc, a friend. We talk about the weather and about our work. He tells me something funny and I have to laugh. I also greet the lady from the shop. In the village everyone knows each other, and I feel at home there.

At seven o'clock I get dinner ready. I put a pan on the stove and I make vegetable soup. I cut carrots and potatoes and I stir slowly. The house smells like warm food. I eat at the table with a piece of bread. I turn the heater on and I feel the warmth. Outside it is dark and the wind blows, but inside it is quiet, warm, and cozy.

At nine o'clock I relax. I do the dishes and I tidy the kitchen up. After that I go to sit on the sofa and I watch TV for a while. Then I read an easy book and I drink a cup of hot tea. I open my diary and I write: today I have worked well and spoken with nice people. I feel happy and calm.

At eleven o'clock I go to bed. I turn my phone off and I set the alarm for tomorrow. I close the window and I turn the light off. I listen to the silence of the village and sometimes to the wind. I think about something simple and beautiful: the smile of a neighbor on the square and the conversation with Marc. I close my eyes and I fall asleep.