Luna Returns for the Waffles

Luna had visited many cities. But she often thought about Brussels. She remembered it like a favourite page in her notebook.

She did not remember the buildings most. She remembered the smell. The smell of warm chocolate came from the shops.

The waffles were hot and golden at the edges. She tried both on her first visit. She never forgot them.

Luna said goodbye to her cousin Mira in Berlin. Then she took the train back to Brussels.

The trip was calm and easy. Luna got off the train, and the city welcomed her right away. The air was sweet, like butter and sugar. Luna smiled and fixed her scarf.

"Chocolate first," she said quietly, "or waffles first?"

She thought about it for a moment. Then she decided to have both.

Her first stop was a little chocolate shop on a quiet street. In the window, there were neat rows of chocolates.

Some looked like shells, and some looked like hearts. A kind old woman stood behind the counter. She smiled when she saw Luna outside.

"Come in, come in," she said. "You look like someone who loves chocolate."

Luna went inside. The woman gave her a piece of dark chocolate to try. It melted on her tongue right away. It was rich and a little bitter. It was perfect. Luna closed her eyes and enjoyed it.

"Wonderful," she said. "Really wonderful."

The woman laughed. She wrapped an extra piece for Luna to take with her. Luna thanked her and put it in her bag. She wanted to save it for later. But she was not sure she could wait.

Next, it was time for waffles. Luna knew exactly where to go. There was a small waffle stand near the main square. It was the same stand from her first visit. The same man was there, humming as he worked.

"Back again?" he asked. Luna looked familiar to him, but he did not know why.

"I never forgot the taste," Luna said.

He laughed and gave her a warm waffle with a little sugar on top. Luna sat on a bench and ate slowly. She wanted each bite to last.

Around her, the city was calm. Bicycles rolled by. Friends laughed at the café tables. A shop bell rang each time a door opened.

It was just as good as she remembered. Maybe even better.

In the evening, Luna thought about her first visit again. One memory made her smile. On that trip, she tried a local beer. But it was very strong, much stronger than she thought. All evening, she felt a little dizzy and very sleepy.

This time, she wanted to be wiser.

She found a cozy café with tables on the street. She asked the waiter for something lighter. The waiter smiled. He knew that question well. He brought her a small glass of pale, golden beer. It was fresh and a little fizzy.

Luna took a careful sip, then another. She was happy. This beer was just right for her. She could drink it slowly and watch the evening light over the rooftops.

She stayed there for a long time. Her notebook was open next to her. She sipped her beer and ate the last bit of her waffle. Above the street, little lights came on, one by one. Somewhere close, someone was playing a soft, happy song.

Luna took her pencil and began to write. She wrote about the chocolate and the waffles. She wrote about the strong beer and the light one. And she wrote about coming back to a place you love. Sometimes it is even better the second time.

Some places are not only for one visit, she thought. Some are for coming back to, again and again.

When her glass was empty, Luna packed her things. She walked slowly to the place where she was staying. She felt warm, full, and very happy.

She curled up in bed and thought about the chocolate in her bag. She smiled. It could wait until tomorrow.

And now, it's time for you to rest too. Goodnight, wherever you are. May you always know what is too much and what is just right. And may your favourite places always welcome you back. Sleep well.