Escape

By G. V. Cora

ESCAPE… is a historical recounting of one unique family's journey of strength and love across four generations.

When the Second World War crossed Romania's borders, the changes were drastic and disorienting, transitioning from a monarchy to Communism, from a "good life" to poverty while moving through a range of emotions from love to the heavy burden of lost hope, to being asked to give up your child because of her physical handicap and, ultimately, to achieving independence.

This book will take you through all the struggles, tears, and pain from the dark hell of lost love, unexpected sacrifices, and a regime that nearly suffocated a once beautiful country hanging like a dark shadow above all. Come and share the journey one family took to reach the light, to survive, and succeed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Apr 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645366218

G. V. Cora

G. V. Cora was born in Bucharest, Romania, and immigrated to the USA in 1991 with her husband and their two children, one of them being wheelchair-bound. Gabriela and her family waited six dramatic years to touch the 'promised land'. She became a very successful aesthetician, working hard and, as a result, she and her husband, Eugene Voiculescu, opened four skincare salons, three of them in Atlanta, Georgia, and one in Miramar Beach, Florida, where they live now. They helped women to achieve high-quality skills to be appreciated and rewarded. Gabriela paid her tribute to the country that adopted her by becoming a success story. She and her husband, Eugene, are now happy grandparents of an awesome baby boy, Liam, and they are waiting for one more handsome grandson. Escape is the follow-up to her 2013 professional publication Skin and Beauty Wisdom, a book full of 'tips and tricks' of homemade health and beauty remedies. G. V. Cora's life is a transition from beauty wisdom to life wisdom.

Book preview

Escape

G. V. Cora

Austin Macauley Publishers

Escape

About the Author

About the Book

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

Introduction

Dear Reader:

Prologue

LOVE… CARE

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

LOVE… CARE

About the Author

G. V. Cora was born in Bucharest, Romania, and immigrated to the USA in 1991 with her husband and their two children, one of them being wheelchair-bound. Gabriela and her family waited six dramatic years to touch the ‘promised land’.

She became a very successful aesthetician, working hard and, as a result, she and her husband, Eugene Voiculescu, opened four skincare salons, three of them in Atlanta, Georgia, and one in Miramar Beach, Florida, where they live now. They helped women to achieve high-quality skills to be appreciated and rewarded. Gabriela paid her tribute to the country that adopted her by becoming a success story.

She and her husband, Eugene, are now happy grandparents of an awesome baby boy, Liam, and they are waiting for one more handsome grandson.

Escape is the follow-up to her 2013 professional publication Skin and Beauty Wisdom, a book full of ‘tips and tricks’ of homemade health and beauty remedies.

G. V. Cora’s life is a transition from beauty wisdom to life wisdom.

About the Book

ESCAPE… is a historical recounting of one unique family’s journey of strength and love across four generations.

When the Second World War crossed Romania’s borders, the changes were drastic and disorienting, transitioning from a monarchy to Communism, from a good life to poverty while moving through a range of emotions from love to the heavy burden of lost hope, to being asked to give up your child because of her physical handicap and, ultimately, to achieving independence.

This book will take you through all the struggles, tears, and pain from the dark hell of lost love, unexpected sacrifices, and a regime that nearly suffocated a once beautiful country hanging like a dark shadow above all. Come and share the journey one family took to reach the light, to survive, and succeed.

Dedication

Dedicated to Liam Alexander Kelly.

Copyright Information ©

G. V. Cora (2019)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Ordering Information:

Quantity sales: special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Cora, G. V.

Escape

ISBN 9781645366218 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number:  2019937094

The main category of the book — Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published (2019)

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 28th Floor

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

When I was halfway through writing this book, with a push of a button, I lost everything. What do you think was my reaction? To give up! Knowing this, you can imagine how grateful I am now to those that made me start over. So, thank you to my family for insisting I finish writing.

An angel sent from Heaven, this is Leanore Elliott.

She worked hard to make my book a readable book.

Writing a book in English, my second language, wasn’t an easy task. So, that’s why God sent her to my rescue. And oh, boy, she did an amazing job.

Thank you, Leanore Elliott; consider all existing ‘thank you’ words and sentences in English language have been used by me.

‘Îți mulțumesc’ is my Romanian expression for ‘thank you’.

Leanore, thank you again.

All my gratitude to Sharron Newton for convincing me to write down this true story.

Introduction

Dear Reader:

Imagine your life as a lavish, beautiful lawn, the way it was intended to be, but weeds invaded that lawn. Your entire life becomes a struggle to get rid of those ‘weeds’ and to achieve what you deserve: a beautiful life.

By writing this book that you hold now in your hands, I extend my tribute to you. This book will make you think deeper of your own life.

So now that you are holding my book in your hands, I would like to ask you a question: Did you say ‘thank you’ this morning when you woke up?

Thank you for being able to walk, talk, see, eat, hug, love—thank you for everything? Did you think about how other people are living or have lived?

After reading this book, you will aim to become a better person, feel grateful for having been born in a free country, and find the strength to achieve your own independence.

Now, think about how many more reasons you have. Enjoy the journey!

Gabriela Voiculescu Cora

Prologue

LOVE… CARE

Hold me tight, tight, Ana said to Alex, leaning her head on his chest. The moment she felt his arms around her shoulders, rivers of tears poured down her cheeks and relief invaded each cell of her brain and covered her mind like a blanket.

Alex could feel her pain, and he tried to hold her tight. Nothing in the world could make him move or take his arms away from his wife.

After a while, Ana became quieter, calmer, and he let her be that way. The moment the tears came, her whole life was played like a movie only she could see…

Chapter One

Titus Salomea tried to take care of the house, the shop, and his father. His mother had passed away a few years ago, and that had been hard on his father. Titus was born in a small village in the northwest part of Romania, a beautiful part of the country and a famous region providing crystal vases, glass windows, and glass art items.

From father to son, the manufacturing secrets and skills were passed down. Titus loved his work. He loved making those wonderfully delicate things. One day, he decided to move to Bucharest, the capital city, knowing he could make a good future for himself.

His crystal vases and glasswork were very well received by customers. It didn’t take long for the high society of that time to notice Titus’s work and send him custom orders.

Shortly thereafter, his business was booming and everybody was happy.

The shop sat right in the middle of Bucharest at ‘Kilometer 0’. If someone asked what ‘Kilometer 0’ meant, the answer was always… from this point in the city, all measurements in Romania start. Titus’s shop was located in the heart of downtown.

Those were good times back then in Bucharest and all over Europe. This was before World War II took hold and destroyed everything. There was still a sophisticated atmosphere, very much like in France. The architecture of the buildings brought Bucharest the name of ‘Little Paris’. It looked so much like Paris. Because people traveled all over the world, and most of their children went off to study in Paris, even the French language became popular in Romania. It was a happy time for everybody and for the country. The King ruled with respect for the population, and people responded the same way.

Titus worked hard, being ambitious to become a well-situated gentleman. He had no intention to start a family, but one day, he noticed a young girl who took his breath away.

She was petite, with dark hair and brown eyes. Nothing extraordinary, but Titus felt like lightning had struck his heart! He had to find out who the girl was, her name, where she lived—everything!

Titus didn’t want to scare her. She looked so young.

A couple weeks later, Titus saw the beautiful girl again. She was accompanied by a man and a woman. Titus assumed they were her parents. They were coming out of the same church Titus attended. Now that he knew he could see her at his church, he made a plan to be there every Sunday and he would find a way to be introduced. After all, he couldn’t just walk up and spout out his name. He went to church almost every Sunday anyway, but now it was his mission not to miss even one Sunday.

Finally, one Sunday, Titus noticed a person he knew talking to the girl’s family. He couldn’t be happier. The person was one of his customers and Titus couldn’t wait to talk to him. As soon as he finished talking to her family, the girl and her parents left the church. Titus walked casually toward his customer, but his anticipation spilled over and he spoke in a rush, Hi, George. I am so glad to see that you come to the same church I do. I have to ask you a big favor. Titus didn’t let the man say even one word. I noticed a few minutes ago you were talking with a gentleman. There was a lady, too, and a beautiful young girl that I think is their daughter.

Yes, you are right, and I see where you are going… Do you know them? asked George.

No, but I want to. I think I’m in love with that girl, said Titus eagerly.

Oh, take it easy! You said you don’t know the family, so how can you love the girl? George asked.

I don’t know, but I know I love her. Please introduce me to her, and I will do whatever you want me to, Titus pleaded.

A few crystal vases will do it, the customer said, smiling. You know how much my wife loves your stuff. Titus, the girl is smart, beautiful, and she is a good girl. Let me talk to her father, and if he agrees to meet, I will let you know. Start working on my vases, he said, waving his hand and smiling as he walked away.

Next Sunday, Titus watched closely as George approached the girl’s family and spoke to the father. They all turned their heads to look at Titus. The girl’s gaze met Titus’s eyes for a fraction of a second and the world disappeared. In that fleeting moment—was everything. It sealed their fate.

Nora’s father—Nora was her name—had to touch her arm to bring her back to reality. Even her father was impressed by Titus. Tall, handsome, gorgeous, elegant, stunning, and most of all, he looked like a real gentleman. In his mind, he had already agreed with Titus. One single moment can change somebody’s life. One of those moments that needs no words because it cannot be described. George waved and asked Titus to come closer.

Titus was still in shock but tried to walk straight and tall. He was introduced to everybody, and when he slowly raised Nora’s hand and gently kissed it, he was lost in dreams.

Nora’s father realized the moment was special and tried to have a conversation, but it ended all too soon. Nice to meet you, he said. See you next Sunday.

The family left the church and Titus stood there, counting the seconds until next Sunday would come.

* * * *

The week seemed to go on far too long, and when the day finally came, Titus was there first, waiting for the doors to open.

His eyes were like search lights, scanning, rotating, looking everywhere. His intense gaze screamed out his love.

Nora and her family finally arrived.

Titus’s heart was beating so fast and loud, he thought people could hear it. They greeted each other, and Nora’s father, David, invited Titus to join them, to stay together. After the service, they exchanged a few words and said, Goodbye and see you next Sunday.

Next Sunday came, followed by another Sunday and yet another Sunday. During each, Nora and Titus began getting to know each other by exchanging just a few sentences, but their eyes were talking for both of them, having long conversations full of love. There were kisses and hugs, joy and hope in just their eyes!

Love’s flames were so bright even a blind person could see them. Nora’s family liked Titus; the way he behaved, the way he treated their daughter, the respect he showed to them as parents. Titus was so serious and dedicated to his work that this made a solid impression on Nora’s father. He already thought this young man could build a safety net for his girl, who he loved so much.

Nora’s parents, David and Linda, knew what was coming and they were ready for it.

Nora was allowed to see a movie with Titus and, sometimes, to take long walks. Back then, there was a unique boulevard lined with linden trees, and the aroma of those trees was so amazing that people were taking long walks just to breathe it in. There were benches along the avenue inviting couples to sit and relax. There was so much love under the linden trees. Those trees had big golden flowers and their branches got together to form an accolade. What beauty! Nora knew she would treasure those moments forever. Her love would always cling to that aroma.

* * * *

Titus waited to ask Nora to marry him; he wanted to be sure she felt the same way he did. One day, he broke the silence and, looking in her eyes, he said, Are you ready to be my wife? Do you love me? I want you to be mine forever.

Nora already had so many butterflies in her stomach that she couldn’t say one word.

Do you? Titus asked, becoming anxious.

Yes, I’m ready, and my love for you cannot be put in words, Nora finally answered. Titus, I love you. I loved you from the first moment I looked into your eyes.

In that moment, the earth slipped from under their feet. They were so lost in each other’s eyes, they couldn’t have answered the simplest question. A sweet feeling of love hugged them. Titus kissed Nora’s hand and covered her face in kisses. Their very first kisses.

When they arrived at Nora’s home, Titus asked to see her father. He wanted to ask for his permission and his blessings.

David greeted him with a strong handshake and a welcomed hug. Titus, Nora is my little girl and the last one to get married. I still have her in my house and she is our joy, our happiness. She will be yours now. Protect her with your mind and your body, make her happy and give us many grandchildren. You are our son now, and we love you like our own son. Be blessed and we wish you a ‘brick house’, meaning that your marriage will last forever.

Titus hugged his new parents, feeling so happy. He knew he would call them ‘parents’ from now on. He knew he was going to take good care of them, with love and devotion.

* * * *

Nora was waiting in another room alone because her mother joined her father when Titus asked for blessings. She couldn’t wait for the door to open and see everybody’s happy faces. Nora loved her parents so much. They gave her love and care, and she was already feeling sorry, knowing she’d have to leave them and move in with Titus.

When she saw Titus’s face as he entered the room, her body was shaking full of happiness. She kissed Titus with a kiss that seemed to last forever. These were good times, a prosperous economy, and it wouldn’t be a problem to have a sumptuous wedding, but Nora wanted to have a modest one.

It was an unforgettable wedding because of their love, which gave such an aura to everything they touched. Family and friends blessed the newlyweds with gifts and good wishes. They didn’t forget to invite the man who helped Titus become the happiest man on Earth: George, the client that introduced Titus to Nora’s family.

Congratulations, I love you so much! Maria kissed her sister and couldn’t stop saying how good-looking Titus was.

What about your husband, John? Isn’t he handsome?

Yes, he is, and I cannot imagine my life without him, but what I am trying to say is that Titus is the best man for you.

Silly you. Isn’t he handsome? Nora asked. Don’t think I married him for his looks. Even if I have to admit, it was the first factor when I looked in his eyes, but the way he makes me feel about everything made me think and decide he was the one, the only one.

You made the right decision, Maria replied. There are things in life that you just know are right. What a blessing. I was wondering if you would ever get married.

What do you mean? Am I that old or ugly?

Oh no, but this society is wrong—when it considers a woman old who is only twenty years old! And you, being twenty-two, were considered old.

Do you think that’s why our parents invited Titus to join us in church? Now I see it.

Parents are always right. No, this wasn’t the reason. Our parents saw it right away. They noticed Titus’s qualities, and being so handsome helped too.

Your husband is handsome too.

I agree, but in a different way. Yours is just a ‘movie star’!

Maybe he is a movie star, but a movie star that loves me with all his heart.

Everybody can see this. Maria hugged her sister with love. Alright, now I have to go and help one of our neighbors to deliver her baby. I will see you later, and if I have the time, I will help you decorate your new home. With that, she left.

Maria had a passion for babies and this guided her decision to become a midwife. For that, she was a really good one. Because she was only two years older than Nora, she worried people would not trust her to deliver their babies, being that young.

But Maria had a way of convincing those ladies she would do an excellent job. Her reputation was spotless. Back then, not too many women worked. Maria didn’t have to work either but she wanted to. The satisfaction from her work was worth more than the money. Sometimes, she wasn’t paid at all. Not everybody she helped had her family’s status. There were poor women, with no money, but Maria helped them anyway. She helped everybody, with or without money. If somebody would knock at her door in the middle of the night and ask for help, Maria would go and do the best she could. Her reputation became famous in town, and women asked her to put their names on her waiting list, as soon as they knew they were going to have a baby.

When Maria came back, she looked tired.

Nora saw this and said, Come inside and sit down. I will make you a tea and rub your shoulders. Nora rubbed Maria’s shoulders and noticed her head was tilting already. She fell asleep right there on the chair. Nora covered her sister with a warm blanket and stayed close to her, thanking God for giving her such a sister.

* * * *

David and Linda, Nora’s parents, owned a large yard with two rows of houses. The main house had a large basement underneath, as long and wide as the yard was. Maria lived on one side with her husband and their son, Peter.

Next to Maria’s home was another house that was empty. Their father kept it that way, saying that they had to keep that house empty for bad days. Just in case they had to rent it, if times got harder and they needed that money to survive.

Everybody knew their father planned things for a reason. He knew that getting older, he and his wife would need help and having the children closer would benefit everybody. The grandparents could help with the grandkids and the daughters could help their parents. Being a family, a large and loving family, meant a lot to Nora and Maria’s parents.

After the wedding, Nora found out that she and Titus would live in the house that had always been empty. She couldn’t believe her father’s plans and how thoughtful he was.

Of course, Titus could afford to have a nice home for his bride, but it was nice to be together, to have a family. How could somebody be that lucky? Titus thought. To be married to the woman he loved and to have such a family. God, thank you, and I promise to treasure all of the gifts you gave me. I promise.

Nora and Maria decorated the new home and it looked amazing. The young couple moved in, and each day brought more joy and happiness.

* * * *

Nora was busy visualizing her future. She could see herself asking Maria to help her deliver her babies; many babies. That day would come, hopefully soon!

Maria’s son, Peter, was absolutely handsome. His eyes were so expressive; they seemed to know everything. Compared to his young body, those eyes were the best tool he could have. He could communicate with his eyes better than talking. Nora was very attached to him. They spent time together, playing and going places.

God, do you think I am too happy? Nora wondered. Do you think I will ever have a son like Peter, my nephew? I want to have a boy first, and a girl after. Okay, I will stop now. I think I’m asking way too much. Not only that I ask you for children, but I even dare to ask for a boy first, then a girl. Nora, be humble and don’t forget God knows better what you need, when you need, how much you need, etc. Health is the most important thing, boy or girl. Pray for health, Nora, pray for health and peace. Be patient and wait for that miraculous time to come in your life.

She looked around the room and found lots of things to do, to keep her mind busy. I think I should learn something new that will keep me busy and bring extra money home. Titus will think I am crazy. I don’t have to bring an extra income; he can provide all the necessary things. Everybody will be against my decision if I decide to go to school and study for something new. I know how blessed I am to be able to stay home, to have a good husband that loves me and who spoils me with flowers, jewelry; and I can hear voices saying how spoiled I am. It is not about this; it is that I have this desire to learn, to help Titus with his shop. When I wake up, the first thing that comes to my mind is school! But I think I have to pay more attention to all the events that have happened around the world.

World War II started to spread its gray, ugly wings all over Europe. There were noticeable changes everywhere one looked. Nora hoped these changes wouldn’t touch her and her family. That they wouldn’t touch her city.

She tried not to think about this too much, so she focused on her goal: going to school. None of the women in her large family went to work, but when Maria became a midwife, Nora knew she would be the next to go to school. She loved figures!

Mathematics was an easy subject for her to understand and to work with. Her grades reflected her passion. One day, when she could hold her desire in no longer, she told Titus she had something to talk to him about. She started sharing her plans to go to school and learn accounting with Titus. He smiled first, but his eyes became bigger than she ever saw them. He thought this was a joke, but Nora had a serious face and was not kidding. As she waited for her husband’s answer, the world disappeared, time stopped.

Titus put his arm around his wife’s shoulders, looked in her eyes, and asked, Why? Do you think this will make you happier? Aren’t you happy with our life, with me? Why? Why? I have more whys, but first answer me and tell me what made you think this way? I feel so guilty now.

Oh no, please, please, I love you so much. Don’t even think it is you! No, I’m happy with you and my life. I am happy being your wife. But look around us, the war is coming closer and closer, and it seems like it has no end. We have to be prepared and face it. I know I can do it, and I can help you with the shop.

What about babies? They will come and keep you busier than you can handle.

I know and I pray for this every day that God will take care of us. When the babies do come, our parents, like we like to say, will help a lot to raise them. They cannot wait to see those babies and me too. What a blessing to have parents like ours, still strong and healthy and so close to us; we are so blessed. I can learn something new till that time comes. Am I spoiled?

Yes, you are, but my love for you won’t let me see you unhappy.

Don’t say this, I am happy, but I feel I have a calling and I promise nothing will change between us.

* * * *

Titus knew by now how determined his wife was when she put something in her mind. He wanted her happy, but he hated the thought of his wife being out in the ‘jungle’ without his protection. It was a different kind of world; one Nora has never had to deal with. He was holding her body close to his and millions of thoughts were galloping in his mind.

Suddenly, he realized he was jealous! The thought of other men around her, such as teachers, students—all different influences. Titus tried to send those things out of his mind, feeling ashamed for just thinking of it.

I trust my wife; she would never do something wrong. Yes, I want her home. Yes, I want her safe, but if finding something else to learn and doing that makes her happier, how can I dare to stop her dream? I’m selfish! Nora feels and she knows times are different; they are changing, slowly, but still changing. We have a good life; we love each other so much, and if she wants to do more, it should make me proud of her. Of course, our friends and neighbors will think I cannot afford to provide enough, but they did the same when my sister-in-law went to school to become a midwife, and look now, everybody needs her and you can see how happy she is. Maybe Nora saw this before I did. Oh, women always have a special, strange something that they call intuition! I never understood exactly what it was all about. But I can see the end results. Titus turned Nora’s body towards him with so much love and care that she could fall asleep standing right there in his arms. Nora, let’s sit down and talk.

Nora’s eyes revealed her happiness, and she realized her victory. She knew these kinds of things don’t make men too happy.

So, you want to help me with the shop? Becoming an accountant, you will be in charge of all our money. You are anyway; why go to school for this?

I will be a good accountant, and because I love it.

I want to see the happiness in your eyes; I want to see your eyes looking at me with love, like you did in church. This is something I won’t ever forget. So, yes, go to school. I know you don’t need my permission; you’re too independent, and I appreciate the fact that you asked me first. I love you so much.

Nora hugged her husband and she smiled all the way to the end of the evening. And the evening came with love and kisses.

* * * *

The next day started with so many plans and questions for Nora. She had to find a school that would accept women. She had to tell her parents about her intentions. Nora knew what their reactions would be.

Her mother always took care of the house and her children. She didn’t know anything else. Her mom was an angel, loving and protecting her family like an eagle. She would think Nora wasn’t happy and possibly blame Titus. How could Nora convince her mother that this wasn’t about Titus but her wanting to go to school?

On the other hand, Nora’s father was different from her mom. He always let his wife to do whatever she thought was necessary to be done for the children and for the house. When the children came into their lives, he acted like a grandfather, spoiling his children as if they were grandchildren. He was so different than other men they knew. The role of the head of the house, he transferred on to his wife. Providing and loving was his motto, and he accomplished his mission really well. Nothing was missing in his children’s lives. The way he loved his family became proverbial. The kids knew where to go to ask for things.

Her mother was tough but loving. Her rules were clear, and she raised her children in harmony. The way she expressed her love was different, spoiling the kids with food she knew they loved or making sweaters and clothes to keep them warm and looking good.

The kids knew they should always be on time for dinner because their mother never called twice. They learned the rules at a very young age and they obeyed them.

One more day passed and Nora found herself postponing sharing the news with her parents.

* * * *

Titus came home earlier than usual that day. He closed the shop to go home and take Nora for a nice time together, to spend more time with his wife. The carriage was pulled by two magnificent horses and a white blanket covered the seats. He held a huge bouquet of flowers, got out of the carriage, and ran towards Nora, saying, I wanted to spend more time with you before you start school.

In the very next second, he realized the storm he had just created. Nora’s eyes were as big as the flowers’ bulbs. His mother-in-law’s face turned pale, but she didn’t say one word. Nora’s father was quiet and he tried to look like he didn’t hear anything.

Titus grabbed his wife and got in the carriage. When they were far enough from the house, he looked at Nora and asked, You didn’t tell them yet? Am I right?

Nora couldn’t talk. She blamed herself for not telling her parents about her plans. She didn’t want to hurt them. I’m so sorry. I should have told you that I didn’t talk to my parents about the school yet. Why do I feel this way when I know how good my parents are? I’m stupid, but I want to protect them from being shocked.

Does Maria know?

Yes, she does, and she’s even happier than I am. I had no chance to thank you for these beautiful flowers; you know how much I love them, and you! Nora kissed her husband and all the worries went away. Their love made the road shine like it was a full moon. What a beautiful night, and what a ride they had!

When they arrived home, the house was dark but they knew Linda was waiting for them with warm food, as she liked