The mother of Nikolay Zlatkov, who was found dead near Okolchitsa Peak, posted an emotional message on social media on the occasion of her birthday. In it, she talks about the meaning of the yellow color, which has become a symbol of respect for her son, and draws a painful parallel between last year's holiday and today's emptiness.
At the beginning of her message, the mother explains the choice of colors with which Nikolay's memory is associated: “The yellow color, for which many people spat at me, is the color of respect for my son Niki. My favorite color is yellow. And as Niki often said: “It's not that I have a favorite color, but thanks to you I can say that – I want to or not – and my favorite is the yellow one”.
She describes her day today as “empty, empty and painfully meaningless”, contrasting it with last year's celebration at the hut, where Nikolay, Sasho, Ivo, Ivey, Plamen and Decho were present. “Everyone smiling. Everyone welcoming me with warm hugs and meaningful wishes”, she recalls.
The mother talks about the moments of joy – braiding, spontaneous visits from friends and her son's efforts to make the holiday special: “Nikki had been cooking all day. Five-six different dishes. And, of course, my favorite tinsel”. She also shares the funny story about his “Eskimo ice cream” of fat and pieces of meat, which Nikolai, laughingly, said he was happy that no one liked him so he could eat it himself.
„We were left alone with Niki. As always – until late at night. We talked about everything. We never managed to talk each other down”, she adds.
At the end of her address, the mother defines herself as „lucky” for having given birth to such a son: „I am the mother of the extraordinary… exceptional Niki – strong, masculine, honest and worthy in every way. Gifted with intellect and abilities that few people possess. With a brave heart, ready to fight for truth and freedom to the end! And with such a gentle soul that she extended a hand to everyone in need – even to those who did not deserve it”.