Third Time’s a Charm by Helene Vienna
Lili and I met many, many years ago through an old boyfriend of hers. The three of us were supposed to meet back then, but the guy never showed. Instead we ended up eating vanilla soy yogurt with banana and chocolate crumbs in her apartment, talking about relationships, our own existence and drug experience. It was certainly a night I will not forget as she left quite an impression on me. We were both young, but back then she already was more mature than anyone I knew. Helene Vienna
Somehow we lost touch of each other, literally, as none of us had the number or address of each other after moving and taking the next steps in our lives. It was last year that I stumbled across her ex-boyfriend’s Instagram page and by chance found her! When I made plans to travel to Berlin, where Lili lives, she wasn’t available. Funny enough we both flew to Dusseldorf on the same day from the same gate and airport, but on different planes. We had a quick chat and made a date for another time.
Third time’s a charm. We finally met in her apartment. She was as eloquent, gentle and funny as I had remembered her. We talked about men, love and friendship. About growing up, what we want in life and what we missed out on. Although we only crossed paths a few times, those were some of the most memorable moments in my life. Taking chances and celebrating spontaneity are what I take away from this experience.
Model: Lili (@deathbed.conversion)
Helene Vienna is a film photographer based in Dusseldorf.