Wind... a kiss... and the elevator!

Within that poverty, he still grew up. And as if by an instinct for survival, he fell in love—with a girl from his own village. A simple love, like the earth, like the wind, like the way people cling to each other to survive the harsh days…

But then he suddenly realized that he had to change, had to leave behind the place that had imprisoned his kin, his clan… to leave behind a place where there was nothing year-round but rain and wind and empty, growling stomachs...

Until today, after so many slaps from life, he has gained many things: a position many dream of, money, fame… yet he still feels something is missing… and especially… because the image of that village girl from years ago remains… along with the burning, clumsy feeling of the kiss on the night he decided to leave.

Having been close for a long time, much later, during a quiet moment together, he told me everything. Then he suddenly said:

“You've been in the elevator business for years. I'm preparing to build the last house of my life, where I will finally stop. So, help me with a truly meaningful elevator!” — I was nervous, but I agreed.

Today, as the old year is about to close, I want to congratulate him: he now has an elevator featuring “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez (Italy). The world has three masterpieces of “The Kiss”:

- “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt (Austria)

- “The Kiss” by Auguste Rodin (France), and… “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez (Italy).

Why did I choose it? Because it captures a moment so brief that, if one hesitates for just a beat, everything would be lost forever.

The man bends down for a hurried kiss, his body leaning forward, one foot already on the step as if ready to depart. His dark cloak hangs loose but does not fully conceal—like someone who is leaving but has not yet let go.

The woman receives the kiss with her whole body: her head tilted back gently, her arms wrapped tightly, her soft blue dress spilling onto the cold stone floor. That posture is at once an acceptance, a holding on, and also a resignation to the parting...

Another spring is about to arrive. I don't know whether to congratulate him or say something… I only hope that each day he returns or departs, with each rise and fall of the elevator, he will feel himself gliding with the wind…

And somewhere, the kiss from that day is still there…