Daniela

A young man arrives at a sun‑drenched summer villa on the outskirts of Baden, drawn by the promise of quiet gardens, towering walnut trees and the gentle hum of birdsong. The rental is modest—two small rooms and a kitchen—but the caretaker’s enthusiastic description makes the place feel like a hidden oasis, a perfect retreat from the bustle of city life. As he settles onto the bench beneath the walnut, his thoughts turn to a precious child he hopes to bring with him, imagining the laughter that will fill the verdant terraces.

Soon he steps onto the bustling streets of Vienna, then back to the villa, where Professor Franz Stern awaits with his thirteen‑year‑old son, Affi. Their reunion is warm and tender, filled with simple pleasures: fresh cabbage, a glass of beer, and the anticipation of country evenings. Through their interactions, the story gently explores themes of family, longing, and the restorative power of nature.

The narrative unfolds with a calm, lyrical tone, inviting listeners to linger on the sensory details of early summer and the quiet hopes that blossom alongside the garden’s first flowers.