A Life's Story: Grace under Pressure

By Daniel Louis Wagner

He has the world at his finger tips until his mother dies and he is sent on a tail spin for compulsiveness lead him to live in his car and on the street He works aprt time making tacos for a taco stand in the town he virtually lived in for over forty years. Nonetheless, he somehow manages to grab the pages for transcription of college and sees a sign reading join the Army. He joins getting a hot meal at least once a day in a cafeteria. He become a Chaplain Assistant in the military. He has a relative high IQ and can decipher the hardest codes of the military and started work in the intelligence section while in the same time had a chapel which was taken away from him by the Catholic Chaplain who did not any thing in it. While in the Army he decides to go across into Russian territory. He walks to the Russian presidents home and tells him to disarm the Russian military by an honest one on one fight the outcome is that he wins and Russia is disarmed and all military arms are taken down. He sees the nukes come down and tank turrets taken off and the rocket launchers sold to other countries. After all that he does not get credit for doing it and in the future instead of feeding the poor the new president build a strong military to fight as the second largest in the world. Statistics after the book was written. After all this is just family love and relationships with the most prominent woman in the world the one he loves the most yes Daniel Werner is in love with Joan from Puerto Rico.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Louis Wagner
• Release date: Mar 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311879547

Daniel Louis Wagner

I was born in Berwyn Illinois in April of 65'. I started writing poems in the third grade my first one received an A+ for my labor. I was amazed the teacher loved what I wrote. Sometimes I wished that I still had that poem it was lost when my mother died. I can try to reintroduce it but my memory loses that thought. Any way, I also believe my work will be recognized by people and widely read. I enjoy writing Science Fiction Fantasy novels and short stories of varying genres. I know there is something you will like in my novel. I write for the sake of Love and kindness. Yet, I foresaw the fact the voice and acts of violence is found in my books I have to include the other side of madness and hate as well as the soothing good of naturally loving peoples. Like I said I enjoy writing for me is an art and all art has its beginning and end. I included the devil and God in the same book. Both god and evil have powers but God and his kind exceed the abilities of the devils from hell. The very demons that possess people in stations of high endeavors where someone who believes not in God but wealth, is fighting against the only true God and will never live with God and God's heaven of eight levels. The eighth reserved for the lord God himself. Well space travel is necessary to achieve the vastness of heaven but the spaceship must be left behind and the walk to the golden gate is achieved. Enter heaven on God's whim and will whatever he desires from you. But first, discover some of the other planets that have life and in abundance. Handle Satan lost at first until saved by God in the burning depths of hell itself. Fight Stan in outer space and achieve good. Discover those planets mentioned earlier in the template. God is wall to wall with thirty three dimensional heaven. To reach God the portals must be utilized to achieve what god has in store for each person being good is not enough, one must breach the heaven to reach God. I can talk about the magnificence of God forever but lets end because he is only mentioned in three chapters that he really dwells in. Most of the other chapters dwell with space travel on space ships. Later bodily through space to enter the unknown to wait in the outer era of planets to enter sometimes the cover is hiding the true source of power dominating the planet which the character including me, must fight against. For even the devil uses the portals to fight against the powers of good. The coverage of planets is that they each possesses resources vital to the existence of humanity and the colonization of each, reach God. Wild meat eating creatures already living on the planets but technology keeps them at bay until the breech is reached. I should not mention to much more other than the entire book is about capturing the limits of space and exploring it thoroughly and discovering new life on the planets inhabited now by humans who live healthy lives on a healthy clean planet full of clean water, land, and air.

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A LIFE’S STORY: GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

By

Daniel L.Wagner

A Life’s Story: Grace Under Pressure

Table of Contents

Prologue:

Chapter 1: America the Beautiful

Chapter 2: Second Born

Chapter 3: Young Exploration

Chapter 4: The Family Trip

Chapter 5: School

Chapter 6: Friends

Chapter 7: Sick

Chapter 8: Construction

Chapter 9: Cancer

Chapter 10: Tricked

Chapter 11: Terminally Drunk, Burnt

Chapter 12: Hot Catfish, Dead Birds, High

Chapter 13: High Times, Rehab

Chapter 14: Iva’s Death, Dipstick, Drunk

Chapter 15: Vacation, First Car, Lost

Chapter 16: Army Life

Chapter 17: Computer, Visions, Party

Chapter 18: In Transit, Sleep, Jury Duty, Trip, Marriage

Epilogue:

Copy Right:

Acknowledgements:

About Author:

Other Books by Author:

Prologue:

This is my story written in my own words. Only the names were changed and the beginning added as lost words I found again. In a time about fifty years ago, my life began and this is the story I have written just for you it took me three years to formulate my ideas for the truth to come about. It was difficult to find the right words to make the story interesting to read. Nevertheless, deep within me I found them. I can only hope you find the story interesting and radical enough to keep reading it. This is not a work of Fiction but Non Fiction and true as uncle Abe could write it for you but I was the one who wrote it just for you to have and to write, for writing is an important part of life that can reveal life for you to see what is really going on. Write along with me as we journey through the thoughts and ideas that have come up. I have a very abusive life that led me to write this story for all of you to see what life is and how hard it can become. From the beginning to the end, I could do absolutely nothing to change the past. If I could many things would have been different. I would have no fights and life would have been better without the difficulty of dealing with dirty nasty people in life as I tried to endure. I am not saying everyone is like that but those who use others for their own doing are not the type of people one would like to be still around, somehow despite difficulty. I was forced to be with them life led me that way. One would never guess that I was a part of all the changes that occur so often in life I am glad now for the happiness I have been able to capture. When you do read this, you will find the problems I faced with being around the wrong type of people and how I could deal with all their unsalable trouble. I wish everyone was good and we could do something out of life that is productive and meaningful. As it is, Life is such and very hard to do anything with my dreadful illness I will probably never mention as so far as a brief entry in my systematic ideology. Please though I inspire you to go on in the story, I feel it worth something to you to read and understand how complicated everything is for me. I remember the times when I thought a friend was someone I could trust. However, he would stick me in my arm or rob me of my valuables of which I was only able to keep my watches. I do not even want to cover that part of the story even though it is not dull and interested individuals might want to enter into my life of sincere love for everyone. The good Sheppard could look over me as the lamb in his herd. Nonetheless the turmoil was always there tormenting me and I without a friend in the world until I finally do meet the right her. I spent many a time alone and drunk dealing with my horrid illness. I loved everyone and all they did was stab me in the back. Only hate lives in this world to make it one must have a passion for it. I am the impassionate one not wanting anything but to live in a direct line with God who I have always Loved with all my heart, mind and soul. Greatness is the emperor of the heavens above so much power and love for every life is God himself. Well for those who do not believe in him I have some reading you might like as well where my own dislike of certain elements that have occurred I began my push to lead into success. My life of fighting and living in dark dismal places is not one anybody dared to enter after me. That life is too drastic and in my need, I had to have it done though I found myself alone in a dreadful situation with police who keep telling me I could not stay there anymore. So my story envelopes through the foggy unclear ways and brings the blue sky slowly in vision.

Chapter 1: America the Beautiful

The place of exciting aesthetic pleasure characteristic of nature is yet just a part of the entire world. Position where large green trees reach with arms stretched to the stars, beckoning for the rays of the sun to nurture the inner core of life. Where the animals roam, like the little deer that look just like bambie. Rabbits with bushy tails eat the lush soft green. Bears and wolves hunting from among them all search out the weak the ill. With all the vegetation, flowers of many colors and bushes and shrubs set it all off. The fantastic waterfalls with deer drinking, shimmer so clear so fresh.

To leave such a grand garden of beauty and traverse onto a strange land is almost a tragedy. This land is where people are vastly different and have many different cultures.

Enter a talk between Hans Werner and Karl Konnig both friends since the military. (Both speak German and Croatian)

Are you leaving soon Hans? Karl asks, spinning around from cutting wood, carrying an armful toward the house.

Yeah, tomorrow I take a plane to Chicago, Hans answered, tipping his beer mug down to the edge of his mouth. He allows a small amount in, savoring the smooth refreshing malt with a small hint of oak to it.

Both by the moment are beside themselves, a moment they will remember.

We are leaving for America in a few minutes, the flight attendant says, smiling a broad toothed smile exposing all her pearly whites.

Ya! Hans says, not knowing what she said just glad that things would proceed, onto America. That much he could understand without an interruption.

The cascading rain pelted the wing and side of the plane. Like a small toy it danced to and fro in the stormy weather, cast in the late March evening.

AHH! Hans yells, after the storm jumbles him about. He appears a little shaken but all right. He falls asleep and after a long rest, he awakes, by the flight attendant.

Now be careful and have a good day thank you for flying Chicago Airways, the flight attendant says, as she takes Hans by the arm and moves him to deboard off the plane. Hans deboards and walks towards the waiting taxi line. After a short while, he manages to ask for a ride to the city.

The city approached as a tiny spectacle before the viewing eye. Then slowly it began to form into buildings only a few were over ten stories, roads all were just two lanes, cars very large framed with bulky bodies, people all the women wore dresses the men wore suits with hats, all sorts of activity is going on.

Where did you say you were going? The taxi cab driver asked, not really sure what the man said who was sitting in the back quiet.

Da, Tu, Hans spoke, excited by the skyscraper coming toward them. He got out of the flared rear batman styled yellow Ford Galaxie two-door coup taxi and looked up at the building in awe; it seemed to touch the sky.

Hey buddy the fare is $3.00, the driver said, but Hans seemed to be in his own world standing, unaware of what was going on. Therefore, the driver went out and touched Hans on the shoulder.

Hans was still looking at the skyscraper, startled by the driver’s presence behind him. Looking at the driver, he reaches into his pocket and draws out a ten.

You need change? Inside the cab, the driver shouts out, with no reply, the driver floors it and leaves.

Dismayed Hans looks at the cab leaving; he now realizes that he has no more money.

The waves of ocean came in a steady rhythm that never changed. The ocean blue with a frosty white cap glistened like the spray of a fountain drink. The soft sandy shores padded the walk of many a life. All sorts of marine life swam this way and that. Birds flew lazily landing and taking off when they desired.

She felt the soft sand between her toes and the coolness. The refreshment of salty ocean gently surrounds her little girlish frame. The breezy air brushed her face as she looked across the beach at the waves of the ocean. She remembered all of those memories that she so cherished.

Iva where are you, are you day dreaming again? her mother called, to her getting her attention.

Yes mother I’m here, are we going tomorrow to Chicago? I already packed my stuff into the boxes you gave me, Iva said, speaking to her mother who was standing behind her and closer to the house.

Yes Iva we take the boat tomorrow we will arrive there and everyone will be happy and we all will have a new life, her mother said, as she turned around and walked toward the house.

As the dawn of day approached, they waited at the dock for the sight of a boat. Slowly the orange rays blanketed them and soon they felt the warmth of the beginning of a new March day. The ocean felt warm too even though they knew it to be cold, the salty smell went from the breath of air. Sea gulls ca’d on the distant waves ahead. They could almost taste the fish that darted in the ocean waters beneath.

Finally, it appeared an orange and gray vessel, a rather small ship by all respect.

Well here we have it the ship is finally here we can leave now to go to Chicago, Iva’s father said, to everyone motioning to gather all the boxes and load the ship. (He spoke in Croatian a hint of happiness displayed in his voice).

The ship road the waves like a giant surfboard cutting through the waters surface. As the days turn and the wind spun, the ship arrives at the New York dock.

I’m glad we left Chile when we did I would have had to go in the military next summer when I turn eighteen, Jarden Iva’s younger brother said, as he walked beside his older brother Mortan who was busy carrying the boxes and did not reply to his younger sibling. He knew he had to hurry to make the train to Chicago in time.

They did hurry and soon were on the train. Tired they slept through the night.

Hey you all need to get up we’re here at the Chicago train station, the train conductor said, smiling and opening the gate as they walked out.

They walked toward a motel but knew they could not pay so they managed a night at the wooden shed in the back.

Chicago with many roads many people many industries all very busy, so rampant that the gray concrete could even be seen from miles away. Restaurants smoldered, an aromatic scent carried by wind that walked on air.

It’s been awhile since we parted with ma, pa and sis at the train station and we still are not there yet. The city seems so far away, Jarden, said, the talkative one of the two, crouching down and rubbing the soles of his sore feet.

Yes well we’ll get there just be patient, Mortan replied, as he kept walking, already pebbles were forming in his shoes.

They walked for what seemed a long time before the first actual glimpse. The finally seen tops of buildings and cars came to sight.

I’m going to call ma and tell her we made it, Jarden said, motioning to his brother as he walked toward the pay phone.

Yeah okay, Mortan said, as he ducked into a building entrance, topless is what is on display in bright flashing lights.

The factory bellowed black smoke in columns from a long black chimneystack. People filed out from exit ways walking from the factory on sidewalks. Expelled a charred odor wafted into the atmosphere and a loud chattering noise was continuously pounding.

I’m glad we got these jobs at the factory, Iva said, a friend she met on the ship was sitting beside her.

Yeah, at least they pay something, Sarah said, remembering how poverty struck Chile was when she and her family left.

I’m also very happy to be off that ship it stunk, Iva said, remembering the appalling condition of the ship and its keep.

Yeah, I thought we were not going to make it, there just was too many of us on board, Sarah replied, really saddened at remembering such a bad memory.

Well everything will get better now and we will do so much better also. We can’t dwell on this too much just remember that it’s getting better, Iva said, smiling and happy with the way things are going.

After the break, the girls decided that work needed doing so they returned to it completing the day. The factory seemed to pouter and the last column of smoke eddied out of the stacks showing a finale.

I’ll see you all tomorrow, Iva said, speaking to the group of workers in front of her.

Bye Iva see you tomorrow, Sarah says, as she leaves from a completely different exit.

Everyone walked home it was just past dark and everyone was happy to finally get out of the factory. Iva felt the cold the chill seemed to go down to the very bone. She walked awhile until she finally arrived home.

The roads ran this way and that each apparently leading to some place or other. Where industry is people often found work. Automotive was at the time an interesting industry. Money is in abundance in this field. A skilled mechanic could make a good business from the automotive industry.

Hey this is a great location, Hans said, pointing to the building and talking to his new business associate.

Yeah I think this is going to work for the both of us. Hans I’m really glad I met you I’m going to give you my part of the money so we can get started here, Mortan said, happy with how everything is going and thinking ahead of the future and plans to come.

Well here’s the first car I guess I’ll start on it and get it done. Things have already started we can’t wait until tomorrow, Hans said, getting right down to the job.

Okay Hans I’ll be right here waiting for the next one that comes in, Mortan said, heading for the office with a coffee and donut in his hands, magazine tucked under his armpit.

The day went by uneventful and they did okay, business wise. About fifteen cars all day and everything is quiet.

Mortan are you going to do anything at all today because I’ve done all the hard stuff? Hans said, a bit irritated that Mortan did practically nothing all day.

Hans okay I’ll do that oil change over there, Mortan said, still clenching the magazine and glancing at it as he was walking to the car to do the oil change.

Alright that’s a good boy I’m glad you are doing something finally. But, don’t you think that you should do a lot more then just an oil change? Hans said, a little angry Mortan did not do something sooner.

Yeah well I answered all the phone calls and did the paperwork. Hans those people are ready to eat us alive, Mortan said, trying to justify his own means.

Hans walks to the office to see what Mortan did.

Well you know what I think you were asleep in the office, Hans says, after discovering none of the paperwork finished and no messages were at the phone.

You know what I’ll see you tomorrow Hans, Mortan says, he leaves and Hans is alone in the shop.

Yeah great I guess I will just have to close alone, Hans says, he closes shop and walks to his car soon he is driving home.

Winter was coming and they felt some of the warmth from the soft yellow rays of the sun. Flowers were beginning to blossom, the sweet scent carried by the wind with many colors displayed like the beginning of a parade. Grass grew abundantly as sprouts, bright green beautiful to see the beginning of spring.

I’m glad it’s spring, the beauty really can touch my heart and the sight of it is just so wonderful," Iva said, as every one was starting to show up for the gathering.

Chicago is nice in the spring time we all like it when it gets warmer and all those beautiful flowers. Right now this is the place for us, Iva’s mother said, smiling with a happy constancy.

I’m glad that the snow is finally all gone it was very cold, Iva’s father says, also smiling and happily drinking his beer.

Ah yeah, I think I’ll just do this party, Mortan said, grabbing another beer and slugging it down fast and hard.

No I think that I liked winter better it brought more work in for everyone, Jarden said, not really interested in the change of seasons or even being employed.

The gathering goes on with family and friends when Hans and then Sarah show up.

Hi everyone how’s everything going here? Hans said, arriving alone in his new blue 1961 Buick.

Nice car Hans I like it, Iva said, looking the car over and smiling at Hans.

Hey how’s everyone? Sarah said, just arriving at the house.

How did you get here Sarah, Iva asks, concerned about her friend.

I took the bus and got here, Sarah replies, happy she made it, looking at all of the food that was on the table already.

When everyone arrived, they all began to sit around the table. They eat and drink.

Mom you did a great job on all this food, Iva said, noting all the dishes eagerly wanting to consume some of the food.

Yes thank you Iva, I think that I would never have finished it all if it was not for you, you helped me considerably’ Iva’s mother said, satisfied that everyone was together finally.

I thank everyone for coming to the gathering, Iva’s father said, proudly holding up his arms over his head and smiling broadly.

Thanks for inviting me, I’m glad to be here this reminds me of when I lived in Yugoslavia with my mother, Hans said.

Oh Hans I’m sure glad you are here and not in Yugoslavia, Iva said, smiling happily at this.

A reflection is an image speaking in water. A flash in the past is to look up on what Hans experienced during the communist regime of Yugoslavia of which he even was a part of the army there.

I remember when deep in my childhood when the war (World War Two) was going on. The new communists under Tito came and took my father. I was only nine years old, Hans said, a great sadness swept over him like an enormous wave of emotion.

I’m sorry about all that, I remember leaving Yugoslavia when I was three and we all had to leave very fast so they did not kill us, there was a vast genocide going on there, Iva said, bowing her head and feeling sad as well.

It does not end there I also remember the concentration camps when I was in those prisons I never accepted Communism and I never will accept it, Hans said.

It must have been a terrible experience going through that, Iva said, I remember the truck ride to the harbor. Then the boat ride to Chile to get away from those Communists," Iva said, remembering all those nights hiding in darkness and in day.

Perhaps it was when I tried six times to carry my mother (Who weighed 280 LBS) over the river to get to Germany. Or when I finally did escape, when my mother told me to go ahead and leave her behind, after the sixth time, Hans said, crying when he remembered having to leave his mother behind.

"It is even furthermost to mention that we suffered for being who we are. It is never good to have to go through a hardship such as that. They probably still try to get us. World War Two made things hard especially for those who were in politics.

Now everyone has to be a Communist to live in Yugoslavia or they will be put in prison, Iva’s father said, remembering how they barely made it.

Oh daddy at least we are alive today, Iva said, grabbing her father’s hand and holding it---bringing it closer to her heart.

Iva I’m happy I met you this is going to be a happy day for us, all of us, Hans said, hugging Iva and kissing her forehead.

Well I’m glad we are all together and happy this is really fun, Iva’s mother said, smiling kissing her husband on the cheek.

The evening went down to a soft roar as the depth of the night began as lighting by the flare of shining moon. After a time everyone made for the softness of pillow and hay.

Snowflakes flurried downward cascading and rolling before meeting a timely landing, splashing gently atop on snow. Roads were hurriedly being prepared for the coming of many who will travel. The beginning of another day in the heart of Chicago already people were beginning to start the day.

Monday morning and Iva was beginning her week.

I hope the bus gets here soon I don’t want to wait too much longer, Iva said, clutching her coffee mug, feeling the warm fluid getting already in her.

Ahh, I bet it will be here like last week late, Sarah said, holding her coffee, more feeling the warmth on her hands then really drinking it.

Yeah well I’ll really let Ben know what I think about him being late all the time, Iva said, unhappy digging in the snow with her left boot.

Iva I can feel what you mean but I don’t think being late is all Ben’s fault he really tries to make it on time, Sarah said, tightening her red scarf around her neck still cold even with her coat and inner liner on.

Sarah, I don’t think there is any good reason why a bus in Chicago is always late. Now if you do the math you will see what I am saying, Iva said, getting a bit madder as she spoke.

Oh Iva here is the bus now it’s almost on time, Sarah said, pointing at the large white vehicle coming steadily at them.

Here’s your ticket madam, the bus operator said, handing the ticket to Iva who hurriedly scrambled to get inside.

The bus rolled down avenue and street. Past trees which beneath it seemed like a small object. The snow thrown aside the road in mounts, showed the way to the on seers poised as viewing through a large movie screen the experience beheld before them.

I’m going to be very glad when the winter is finally over and it starts to get warmer, Iva said, finally feeling the warmth of the heater from the bus.

I don’t know I kind of like it, sort of cleans the city and makes it look fresh, Sarah said, throwing her coffee out the window and sitting back on her seat.

I don’t think that any thing can clean Chicago up its ugly and dirty and nobody cares about anything here except themselves, Iva said, staring at the window and the view of the city.

The road finally came to the factory that led to where the women were going.

Thanks Ben, Sarah said.

Bye Ben, Iva said, still holding her cup of coffee feeling guilty about what she said about Ben, not wanting to throw the cup in the street.

The weather seemed to get colder, filled with snow covering most places attainable. The wind came sweeping and stirring even further a snow dug deep, white as cotton. Fireplaces and heaters brought warmth to the chill of the outside, the soft ambers of yellow orange burning brightly. Doors shut the ugly roars and twists of storms, like a dungeon, the walls absorb the angry attack. Deep within the depth quakes life soft warm yellow as a burning ball of hay. Human beings live like no other things intelligent capable but at times destructive and uncontrollable. They are or can be the worst storm of all.

I’m glad they cleaned the streets, Hans said, gesturing toward the winding ways of asphalt glistening white from freshly covered snow.

Yup, they sure did, The storekeeper, said; smiling, happy a customer finally arrived.

Thanks for the coffee I’ll have to get going work is always there to be done, Hans said, hurriedly he walked to his car which sat next to the curb beside the road just across the street.

The road wound about, it helped Hans return his way back toward the city. The weather seemed about the same only this morning it was the wind, which was blowing even more then the previous week.

Ah miss, I mean Iva would you like a ride this morning it’s very cold right now, Hans asked, almost instinctively when he recognized her.

Oh my, you Hans, of course I would love to. Sarah look Hans is here to give us a ride, Iva said, talking to Sarah who stood a few yards away talking to another person who also was waiting for a bus.

How’s the factory doing is it about the same or did they finally fix those machines so they could get some work done, Hans said, picking up the conversation.

It’s just the same thanks Hans, Iva said, smiling to herself.

No---No it’s even worst they just allow the equipment to work even though they need repairs, Sarah said, grinning from ear to ear.

After the road turned away back toward the heart of Chicago, they finally arrive.

Thank you so much Hans now we are early, Iva said, happy to make it.

Now Hans do ask Iva to the movies it’s the least she could do, Sarah said, pointing at Iva who stood ankle boot deep in the snow.

Yeah-ahh, I think there is a movie at that theater down Maple Avenue, Hans said, looking at Iva and winking an eye at Sarah.

Well you better pick me up at seven I’ll be waiting, Iva said, grabbing Sarah by the arm and they both walk to the factory.

Even the snow decided to stop falling; the wind slowed its gush when two meet beside a maple tree amidst a city large.

I’m glad I met you and we are going together. It’s like a match made in heaven everything seems just right in every way, Iva said, her face flushed red under the night light her lips parted, red.

Iva I liked you the first time I saw you. I remember when you brought your father’s car to the garage, Hans said, warming the moment.

Yes Hans I remember and you decided not to charge because you are partners with my brother, Iva said.

Well let’s get going the movie will be starting soon, Hans said, motioning toward the theater house, happily excepting Iva’s hand they walk together.

The movie theater had an inviting entrance well lighted and displayed with movie articles showing each to the on viewers.

I like the way they set up this theater it’s not too dark because of those lights in the aisles, Iva said, pointing out one fact.

With luck they will switch them off soon so we can watch this movie, Hans said, motioning toward the screen feeling ready.

The movie went on with the smell of candy and popcorn the speaker system seemed loud enough for the people watching.

I don’t know maybe it should have been called East Side Story they seemed to be coming from that direction, Hans said, jokingly.

I think it was rather good,West Side Story, does fit the title. It was almost like Romeo and Juliet, the way the plot went, Iva said, toying with the storyline of the movie.

Okay! Well at least it was entertaining, Hans said, opening the door to his car he lets Iva onto the front seat. Gingerly he steps across the car and climbs behind the wheel.

The car spins around and heads toward a familiar row of maples past this and on to the home where already most of the occupants were sound asleep.

Have a good night Iva I’ll see you again, Hans said, sliding the gate open holding it with one hand the other to help Iva enter.

Thank you Hans, Iva said; as she walks by, she softly plants a kiss on Hans’s cheek.

Good night, Hans said, he walks carefully back to his car and as he is doing this, he looks back.

Good night Hans, Iva said, just before he reaches his car.

The night gets quiet as everyone goes to the pillow of feathers and dreams of pleasantry fill each mind.

White crystalline-formed snow hung from the window frame and stood ten feet deep before the window. The window wiped clean to allow visage to the exterior world. As a viewing glass the world looked larger through the eye of a mortal being. Everything appeared covered by ice and snow nothing was discernable not even the dark blue Buick covered past its own roof.

I wish I could breathe hot air and melt all that snow, Hans said, pointing at the huge heaps of white crystal water accumulated around his house.

Yup, seems to get worst every year I think I might get a larger shovel next year, could use a bigger one each year too, George the neighbor said, laughing at all of it.

I don’t know I feel like hiring someone to shovel that snow for me so I can get to work faster," Hans said, a little perturbed by the snow and its amount.

I got to be seeing you Hans I have to uncover my own car and find the driveway, George said, leaving, thinking Hans wanted him to shovel the snow.

The car stood wheels and body exposed after some exhumation. The roads were finally clear and the snow and cars were already moving. The day went past all projects done with the exception of only a couple, which carries over to the following day.

Now I know that the food is always good here that’s why I go here on occasion, Sarah said, explaining what she liked about the restaurant.

Oh well yes it does seem adequate after all, I think the stomach won’t know the difference, Iva said, happy to be eating the offered chips.

I hope the waiter will get here soon, Sarah said, apparently getting a bit impatient.

This menu is just incredible the seafood looks very good, Iva said.

Oh I forgot to ask how you and Hans got along, Sarah said, switching the subject and trying to think of something else.

"We did great I even kissed him a good night kiss, Iva said, smiling happy that everything is going so well.

Ha ha ha, talk of the devil there he is now, Sarah said, pointing at Hans who upon entering immediately noticed Iva seated beside Sarah.

Hi Iva, Sarah I didn’t know you were here I was hungry so I stopped in they said this place has the best seafood, Hans said, looking at Iva and smiling profusely.

Hans how are you I’m so happy you are here too. Sarah and I were just talking about you and everything was really good, Iva said, looking at her friend seated beside her.

Hi Hans did you want to join us or should I leave, Sarah said, not happy about seeing Hans because he always seems to take Iva away.

Yeah and if you don’t mind I’d be very happy to join you and no don’t leave stay right there, Hans said, noticing the different tone of Sarah’s voice.

The evening grew dark and dinner was long over, joined two figures stand beneath a large oak tree.

Iva actually I was expecting you to be here and very happy that you were. I wanted to tell you how much I truly love you and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Hans said, looking at her eyes seeing peace there.

Hans oh Hans, Iva said, hugging kissing Hans many times.

The storm finally ceased its trashing and much of the snow melted. The city looked concrete with walls color reanimated itself. People once more walked the sidewalks. Some of the trees protruded with green limbs. Hamburgers and hotdogs on grills from restaurants and side peddlers wafted to nostril keen. Joy stood at every corner in form of a person or animal, content appeared conveniently everywhere.

Iva I think we can start thinking of planning our life together. We can even get an apartment in the suburbs where they do not charge quite as much. That’s you know after we get ah well…, Hans said, placing a hotdog in his mouth and looking into Iva’s dark brown eyes for an answer.

I don’t know just yet should we do that, because we are not even married yet it would appear strange. My parents probably would not like it that is all they are old fashioned. Any way it just does not seem right. This is a little fast don’t you think Hans, Iva said, looking at the little stores and the people getting in and out of them.

Yes of course we do have to plan it more and marriage does have its importance but no harm in looking and thinking about it. After all, it’s important to know where to go, Hans said, actually.

You know that I think Cicero would be a nice place. My father and mother said they like the neighborhood it’s very quiet, Iva said, taking a bite out of her hotdog while looking into Hans’s blue eyes.

Maybe not a bad idea I just wanted the apartment closer to work. I need to drive there every day and traffic gets bad in the morning. I also know a few people that way and see..., Hans said, suddenly interrupted.

No---No, I don’t want to live in Chicago all those hoodlums there and the dirty trash they leave everywhere. It’s just way too dangerous, Iva said, unmoved about where Hans would have to travel.

Okay your right I don’t want to argue with you. I think we should live in Cicero it probably the best idea for us. I do love you very much Iva I want what is best for us and our children, Hans said, finally agreeing with Iva.

Thank you Hans it is the best for us to live in Cicero. I also think my parents want me here too and you know what I want to be next to them also," Iva said, finally putting impact on the conversation.

The trees began to bud green leaves and flowers to open buds. Slowly the color of spring sprang into the countryside. In the little town of Cicero life was just beginning for the new inhabitants freshly implemented and introduced.

This is a beautiful apartment it’s not too expensive and has three bedrooms. It overlooks the pool beneath the balcony onto the patio area. Rent is every month with the first month starting right on the move in. Any questions give me a call I’ll be glad to answer them, my name is Tate, Tate said, showing the apartment complex