The autumn had arrived, the crops were gathered from the field, Emma and Franz reaped the reward of their hard work, they had zealously worked side by side. They felt good, they felt that they had achieved a goal, they felt that now there was a reason to live, to look forward to the next day and continue their track together.  The weather turned colder, powerful, cold gusts of wind blew in their faces as they were returning from their last chores of autumn. After a long day they took a moment to sit at the window, enjoy a cup of tea and watch the snow cover the fields. Winter had come, Emma and Franz did not mind the cold, they felt contentment. As usual, Emma’s dog, found the warmest spot near the oven. The fragrance from freshly baked  bread filled the whole house. Franz would come in from the barn carrying a bucket of milk. Emma would prepare supper, a ritual had begun filled with respect, kindness, caring and co-operation of two people who had met at the point of  feeling like vortex of grief. They never had lost faith and hope, just had kept walking to search for a better life. That winter had heavy snowfall, they were snowed in and had to dig their way out through the wall of snow blocking the door. Emma and Franz were two young people starting a life together, respected their past  and knew that it cannot be changed, they had been given the opportunity to have their own dream together. They started to dig themselves out, Emma’s big old dog didn’t feel his age and joined them, jumping in the snow, rolling around, trying to catch the falling snow, barking, it was such a joyous time, Emma and Franz started throwing snowballs at each other! They both felt happy, this was a new chapter in their life. They both knew that the suffering they went through had left scars, they supported each other to heal them and felt blessed by had given the strength  to find a meaning and purpose in life to go on. Their friendship grew strong, they felt like partners with the responsibility to shape their future.

Lara had read another chapter of the story and felt proud of Emma and Franz’s effort. They both were charismatic, they both had ideals, they were benevolent people, having been mercilessly imposed on hardships. Lara admired their perseverance  in search of integrity.

…………………….to be continued………………..