I’m on my way to see Oppenheimer. 20 meters away, my niece exit from the cinema. She’s just seen Barbie with two of her friends. I’m not aware of her at first. But then I hear her. Loud and clear. Shouting.
Svampen!
That’s what she calls me. She runs towards me and jumps into my arms. I do my best to catch her and keep her there for a long hug. It feels fucking great. And I savor the moment because I know it won’t be long before she’s way too cool to greet her old uncle like that.
And maybe it’s for the best; I won’t be able to catch her without falling backwards for much longer.