🔊listen to the audio on 𝕏 from the book City Cadence: Pulse of the Current
Friday night, Nyssa stood in front of the mirror, contemplating her outfit for her dinner with Zillion. She wore a short dress paired with boots that reached just below the knee. After their spontaneous breakfast earlier in the week, Zillion had asked her out, and she had agreed. Giving herself one last look in the mirror, she decided her ensemble was just right.
Zillion picked up Nyssa, and they began their drive along the road that stretched between the two cities east of Frankfurt, nestled along the banks of the River Main. As they approached Oberrad, shortly before the Kaiserlei district of Offenbach, their destination came into view—the Gerbermühle.
Steeped in centuries of tales, the Gerbermühle was a place where poetry was woven into the fabric of its existence, and even the great Goethe himself had once been a guest.
The Gerbermühle, a mill with a rich history dating back to the 14th century, has long been recognised as a symbol of tradition and heritage. When the von Ovenbach family was granted a fief, a unique succession law was established. The female offspring would inherit the mill, enabling them to lead independent and graceful lives, even when unmarried.
Over time, it had become a place where history and romance merged, particularly during Goethe’s encounter with Marianne van Willemer. Their connection had been intense and inspiring, leaving a lasting mark on the place.
Marianne’s poetic words found their way into Goethe’s own works, specifically the illustrious Suleika section of the West-Eastern Diwan. It is whispered that the immortal words, “Hier bin ich, hier kann ich sein” (“Here I am Man, here dare it to be”), were born from the very air Goethe breathed during their strolls through the fields and gardens surrounding Frankfurt’s Mühlberg and Offenbach, with the Gerbermühle nestled in between.
For Nyssa, this was more than a story; it was her very heartbeat. This place’s history, steeped in love and creativity, held a special place in her heart.
Zillion and Nyssa found themselves in a cosy haven, surrounded by an atmosphere of exclusivity, with a view that spilled into the beautiful garden by the river.
Their evening began with the cheering of champagne glasses, setting the stage for their own love story, just as timeless as the place they sat in.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again.” Zillion smiled, his eyes lighting up.
Nyssa leaned in, a playful sparkle in her eyes. “So, Zillion, you just couldn’t resist a second date, could you?” Her voice carried a hint of provocation. “Or was it the food that lured you back for round two?” Zillion met her gaze, savouring the moment.
“While the food is exceptional here, Nyssa, it’s not the main attraction that brought me here. It’s your captivating conversation and that brilliant mind of yours that truly drew me in.”
Nyssa blushed, for a moment, diverted by his compliment. She shifted the conversation, unable to contain her curiosity. “Speaking of attractions, you mentioned that intriguing campaign. I’m dying to know, what’s your secret client up to this time? You hinted at a European social media campaign.”
“You’ve piqued my interest, Nyssa. My secretive client is launching a groundbreaking financial app in Europe, and they believe that your social media expertise could be the missing ingredient to make it a resounding success. They’re looking to add a more… social touch, you could say.” Zillion’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
“That sounds like an exciting project, Zillion. But are you certain they want to collaborate with me?” Nyssa’s curiosity continued to grow.
“Nyssa, I wouldn’t have brought it up if I weren’t confident in your abilities. You have that unique spark and creativity that could elevate this campaign to new heights. Besides, who could resist partnering with someone as captivating as you?” Zillion’s smile never wavered.
Nyssa blushed again, a slight tremor in her voice. “Well, Mr. Mysterious, you certainly know how to quicken a girl’s heartbeat. Let’s delve into the campaign over dessert, shall we?”
Zillion agreed with a confident nod and a hint of a smirk. The waiter approached with a selection of Hors d’oeuvre, breaking the spell. Nyssa couldn’t help but flash a smile that stretched from ear to ear, her eyes locked onto Zillion’s. The unspoken tension between them hung in the air, and she found herself already hypnotized by his words, his eyes, and the promise of what the night held.
◆ ◆ ◆
The aroma of coffee filled the air as Nyssa took in the view of the historic town across the river, under a cloudless, crystal blue sky. The city’s skyline stood tall, illuminated by the rising sun.
As noon approached, Zillion wrapped his arms around Nyssa’s waist, whispering, “What a beautiful day.” Nyssa sighed deeply, resting her head against his chest, acknowledging the city’s magnificence amidst its chaos.
“It’s remarkable that this lively city offers both vibrancy and drive, but there are disruptions with these demonstrations. Yet, a stone’s throw away, it’s an oasis of tranquility.”
“Yes, from afar, it’s a dream, but within, the city centre is desolate, dysfunctional, and depressed,” Zillion said, handing Nyssa a cup of coffee.
“I wonder if it will ever return to its former beauty. The changes are striking, empty spaces where once sophisticated boutiques thrived,” Nyssa reflected.
“And the crowd—it’s different now, isn’t it?” Zillion lamented.
“Indeed. Remember our apprenticeship days? Thursday nights were filled with after-work parties where everyone, from fitness enthusiasts to bankers, mingled in various locations. The Living, Ebene 7, loft house, BMW house… those were the days,” Nyssa reminisced.
“Those special gatherings, Cocoon and the techno clubs, it felt like a big family. But those times seem gone. Even the traditional family-run restaurants and hotels are disappearing, replaced by fleeting establishments,” Zillion said, a touch of sentimentality in his voice.
“The city isn’t what it used to be. I avoid it now; it’s lost its charm. Not even Liebig House, once a sanctuary after gallery visits, holds the same spirit. The new old town is a mere shadow of its former self, filled with faceless shops and franchise chain-run restaurants. It’s disheartening,” Nyssa sighed.
“A tourist spot for some, an investment for others,” Zillion added knowingly.
“What should we do with this fractured day? Perhaps visit the gallery and explore a new perspective on city development.” Nyssa suggested.
“Avoiding the city stroll might be wise, considering the Middle East demos this afternoon. But a walk by the river to the Städel Art Gallery for the exhibition on current city development sounds great,” Zillion proposed.
Nyssa agreed, realising it had been a while since her last visit to the gallery. The idea of exploring the city’s evolution through art seemed like a promising venture.
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Natalie Hush 