The winter had been long and fierce at times. Emma and Franz had been busy preparing for spring and had not paid much attention to anything else, their work was laid out for them, clothing had to be mended, tools to be repaired. Max the old dog went to the door and started barking, how did he know that spring had arrived! Flock of birds soared through the air. Most of the snow had melted, small white flowers peaked through the moist ground. Emma and Franz had grown found of each other, they felt like best friends, working together to prepare for the spring, they were supportive and grateful for the chance they had been given to heal their wounds, start a new life together, look forward to a happy future.
The days grew longer and warmer, soon there was no trace of the harsh winter. The bright morning sun lit up Emma’s room, she had slept in that morning. She quickly dressed and ran to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The lovely fragrance of fresh bread and coffee filled the whole house. Emma went to wake up Franz, he was not in his room, he was gone! Emma panicked, she became frightened, what if Franz had left her! She ran to the barn to feed the animals, they must be fed, the cows milked, the……… Emma did not know were to start. Was she alone again? Had all her dreams vanished, blown away by the gusts of spring breeze? She ran back to the house and cried, she had lost Franz, his love, her hope for their future together; just at the most painful moment when she felt so alone again, Franz came in the house holding a small bouquet of flowers, put his arms around her and gave her the beautiful spring flowers. None of them spoke, words were not needed to feel the love between them. Franz had been up since daybreak, finished all the chores so Emma could have a restful morning. Emma set the table, decorated it with the flowers. Emma and Franz sat at the table, they ate their breakfast in silence. It was as if there were no to express their happiness and contentment. Old dog Max found a sunny spot near the stove and dozed off. Peace, tranquility and love filled the house.
Lara had kept reading and trying to follow the story of Emma and Franz’s journey with such intensity for so many hours, had not even noticed the sunrise. She opened the window, fresh spring air filled her room, she decided to take a walk in the garden. Many spring flowers had come up, the melting snow had formed small puddles, a little bird was enjoying its bath. Lara felt happy, real happy. She was happy that Emma will not be alone, she had Franz. Lara remembered her own dire days and knew too well what being alone felt like, and suddenly felt pain that had saturated her heart, Lara was stoical and would never be afraid to be alone. She would reach out to others in need and count her blessings for being strong enough to be alone.
………………..to be continued…………….
