The Million Expressions of Love: The Rainbow of Our Lives

By Francine Arel

How can we put into practice the spiritual teachings we want to master? Isn’t true that we have the impression that this achievement is out of our reach? Our source of suffering is so present and yet it remains the ghost of our lives. Would you like to unravel this mistery by visiting the universe of a being who knows happiness despite the tribulations of her existence?

These four books tell the story of people determined to overcome their fears. Our heroine Laura, the main character will amaze you with her unique way of filtering the trials of life through the sieve of her heart.

Through this reading you will discover how to demystify the unique scent of happiness. You will travel in a universe where hope is the creator of all possibilities, and even when the roads are filled with pitfalls love always reigns. This inspiring novel will make you sail on the calm waters of tenderness and it will awaken your own personal power.

Revel in the love affair punctuated by these inspiring characters. This engaging tale offers a respite from everyday life with a freshness and vision of how things work together for the a greater good, a perspective on life that will warm your heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Mar 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781982245412

Francine Arel

My story was built on a million dreams. Succeeding was not the only goal as I also wanted to keep striving for awareness. I truly believe that the best is yet to come. During the course my life, I raised and nurtured two beautiful human beings and built a company with my life partner that is still thriving and growing today. My strength comes from my profound conviction that life is a journey through the many shades of love.

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Copyright © 2020 Francine Arel.

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except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-9822-4540-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-4542-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-4541-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020905640

Balboa Press rev. date: 03/23/2020

CONTENTS

Dedication

Prologue

Part 1

Chapter 1   Abandonment

Laura

Jonathan

Sabrina

Miguel

Faith

Chapter 2   A Time For Love

Chapter 3   The Distress of the Blind

Marc

Diane

Grace

Chapter 4   Adaptation

Nataly

Chapter 5   The Healing

Arthur

Chapter 6   The Diference

Chapter 7   Love

Remerciements

About the Author

DEDICATION

I want to thank Maryse De Meyer, of the Magic Pen. Her encouragement inspired me to continue and overcome my own limitations. Your appreciative comments, Maryse, propelled me into the depths of my imagination, thank you.

Thanks to my sister-in-law Suzanne Desgagnés for having recognized in the primary outline of this novel the finalized result. Your patience and dedication have been an additional source of inspiration.

I want also to thank my friend and coach Grace Shaw. She inspired me to create a character with inner beauty that resembles hers. Though the person in the novel has the same name, the story is fictionnal. Your light shines bright my dear friend and it warms the hearts of those surrounding you.

I owe a special thank you to my friend Manon Regaudie who helped me in the last phases of correction of the French version of this book. Manon is an inspiring woman that his blessed with multiple talents. Good friends are like stars, they brighten our lives by their presence.

At the final stage of the English correction, I had the immense opportunity to find an angel on my path, Sally Romosere. Without your help this work would have remained a draft. I am deeply touched by your devotion, and I am blessed to have you in my life.

To write a book takes imagination, and I was fortunate to practice this art with my childhood friend, Solange Papineau. Our dreams are anchored in me. We tasted the immense pleasure of being creative, and this energy fueled my passion. Thank you Sol

Thanks to my children and husband for their support throughout this process.

Behind each person hides those who inspired them. You are part of these individuals.

Francine Arel

PROLOGUE

Of all the changes brought about by the existence, that of aging is surely one of the most difficult to tame. After a long analysis, I realized that beauty does not belong only to the youth, it is found in each stage of a life well lived. Therefore, I decided to become a mirror of a wisdom that can only be discovered with experience. No word other than PASSION can more accurately describe the flame that continues to grow in me. My life is like a flower garden in which I sprinkled the essence of my dreams. To better define myself, I am an autodidact who is stimulated by the discovery of her possibilities, and I leave no room for doubt when the winds are threatening. I have made my daily life a quest for balance, and I have retained only the essential in the passage of this marvelous and incredible existence. I am always amazed by the grandeur of everything around me. From painting, I now redirect my passion to writing. Here is the time to give birth to dreams that have always inhabited me. This opens doors that are still unknown and allows me to explore a unique and majestic way of living well. If someone asked me what I retained in this new experience, I would answer: Let yourself be seduced by the unsuspected possibilities that are yours, by abandoning yourself to your passions, and you will find happiness.

Francine Arel

PART 1

How can we put into practice the spiritual teachings we want to master? Isn’t true that we have the impression that this achievement is out of our reach? Our source of suffering is so present, and yet it remains the ghost of our lives. Would you like to unravel this mystery by visiting the universe of people who master happiness despite the tribulations of their existence?

These four volumes tell their stories. Our heroine, Laura, will amaze you with her unique way of filtering the trials of life through the sieve of her heart. You will discover how to demystify the unique scent of happiness, and travel in a universe where hope is the creator of all possibilities. This route will take you on a road filled with pitfalls, and then rise you on a cloud where love reigns. You will sail on the calm waters of tenderness through stories written with words that spring from the poetry of the soul.

This reading will be a balm of freshness, a pure moment of truce where the emotion raised will continue to brighten your days well after closing this book.

What if love was waiting for your reading?

At the dawn of her 30s, Laura finds herself a single mother. Her son Francis was only five years old when her spouse left them, and she feared exposing him to the disillusionments of love. Nothing had prepared her for such a heartbreak, but she was determined not to let herself be dominate by the failures of her past. Their universe as she knew it ended, and it forced her to tame the change. For her, the biggest prison is indisputably that of the spirit. She seeks to overcome her inhibitions to transcend her own limitations. A difficult journey of solitude and search awaits her, but she has a secret weapon. Her parents left her a wonderful philosophy of life, and she is arm with that powerful adjuvant to face the future. To infuse Francis with the importance of accepting the change he undergoes, she must awaken him to the immense power of love. Through the tribulations of her relatives, she learns to sail on a furious sea. She connects the notes left by her mother and draws from them a curative energy. It is in a moment of silence that she finally finds the magic of her dreams.

This is a story of love, and peace that proclaims the release of all those who are chained by fear, failure, and pain. This engaging saga, led by this wonderful woman, will present you with a lifestyle based on the present moment, and through this, will help you overcome the daily disruption of life.

Chapter 1

ABANDONMENT

LAURA

Laura never thought it would be possible to experience such heartbreak. Miguel slammed the door, and with that dull sound, ten years of their lives flew away. She gave him his freedom, and he took it and ran like a thief.

She looked at her son, hoping he did not notice her despair. She felt a deep sense of anguish at the thought of his reaction to their separation. Even the idea of this made cold sweat run down her spine, but the expression in his eyes reassured her. Obviously, he did not suspect the tragedy unfolding. She hastened to take a book, and then she pretended to read it. This subterfuge gave her a moment to regain her composure.

Believing herself safe, she let out a sigh of relief. Her love story did not in any way ressemble her dreams, a difficult task awaited her, since she was determined to hide her struggles. Their home had always been a place of tranquility and harmony, and that was what she wanted to perpetuate. She asked the universe for guidance. She knew she could not speak at this time to Francis without betraying her helplessness. He was an intuitive and intelligent boy, and she was convinced he would sense her distress. Resigned, she calmed the flow of her thoughts, and this exercise forced her to refocus. Her attention now returned to the book she still held in her hands. The idea of duping him by this camouflage now seemed now absurd.

She was fighting a huge battle. Different scenarios propelled her from one possibility to another. In some instances, resilience was the guide, while in others, her relentless and uncompromising internal judge condemned Miguel, and only the image of her son offered her emotional stability. Then, a new vision took shape, and forced her to see things differently. To reach her goal, she needed to make sure that their separation would not be a determining factor in the grand scheme of her child’s life. This difficult task left her no choice but to change her vision of life.

She prayed silently. This visceral impulse took her out of her thoughts, and, as if by magic, her pulse slowed down and adapted to the rhythm of her breath. Stimulated by this lull, she went to the window. Her eyes scanned the immensity of the sky to finally linger on passersby. In their frantic race, they did not disclose anything about their personal conflict. The ritual of existence dictated this impartiality. Everyone was wearing the mask of the day, just as she was about to do.

Francis, for his part, was watching her every move. She had been more taciturn for some time, and he could not discern her trouble. He felt the need to question her. Are you sick? he asked. The tone of his voice surprised her. She hastened to reassure him. No, my love. I’m just tired.

He left the room, eager to find a distraction that would help her. He opened the chest that was sitting on the corner table and aligned his pencils. He then surrendered himself to his inspiration.

Laura felt trapped. Taking advantage of that fact, she gave vent to her nervousness and began to walk up and down the room.

This loss of control was unfamiliar. Her world was changing, and the circumstances surrounding this imbalance forced her to consider everything. Her deep values were shaken, and for the first time in her life, the future seemed uncertain. She ran to the mirror and stopped in front of her image. Her complexion was pale, and her eyes reflected a great sadness. She knew she had to control her reactions at all costs, so she focused on her breath. Her aching heart pumped oxygen excessively, and it made her feel faint. Her thoughts jostled to the rhythm of her panic. New scenarios raised new doubts. The idea of not being able to offer Francis the same well-being that he had had since birth was one of them. She resented this man who had irresponsibly robbed her of her carefreeness. She felt a pain in her stomach, her body now reacting to her panic.

She ran to the bathroom and locked the door. Every fiber of her being screamed her distress, and after several efforts, she collapsed to the ground. This truce was short-lived, for the sound of Francis’s voice told her that he was approaching. She got up quickly and replaced her blouse. She went to the sink and splashed her face with cold water. This unpleasant sensation forced her to recover, but did not extinguish the fire that was boiling in her veins. She applied her blush and lost herself in her reflection, hoping to see a thin gleam of will come to light. She opened the door, and for a brief moment, everything returned to normal.

Francis was waiting for her, excited by his project. He handed it to her and waited for her comment. She realized the importance of her reaction, so she took her time to examine each detail. Then, with calm and reassurance, she ran her hand through his hair. This gesture was one of approval, and it was also a demonstration of her tenderness. I did it for you he continued. I wanted to make you happy. Thank you. I think it’s your most beautiful masterpiece to date. We will put it on our bulletin board? It will serve us as inspiration.

Francis remained silent for a few seconds, and she felt his spirit sailing elsewhere. His drawing replicated a moment in their lives, so she could easily follow his thoughts. She then waited for his comment with patience. I believe that the rainbow is a bridge that connects your heart to mine, mmom. Her eyes filled with tears. This is our link, or our hyphen. You are right!

His face lit up. He was at the height of happiness. His mother forgot her sadness, thanks to him!

He huddled in her arms, satisfied to have achieved his goal. She remembered the event in question. The sky allowed a few rays of sun to point here and there, and the omnipresent heat dried the fine droplets of rain before they touched the ground. This wet day was offered to Mother Nature as a delicious nectar. In this setting of shadows and light, on the horizon rose a rainbow. The expression of delight on his face was, therefore, her full measure of happiness.

Afterward, this moment left them many stories to share.

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Months passed and calm returned. After some trying moments, Francis accepted their situation. Despite his promises, Miguel was less present. Their family dynamics changed, and they had to conform to them, so Laura played both roles. Her child would henceforth be the sole heir to the oath of love she had formulated during her marriage vows.

Old habits flew away like leaves under an autumn wind. Despite the heartrending events she was going through, life offered her the most wonderful gift: Miguel entrusted her with Francis’s care without any legal debate.

JONATHAN

Jonathan left the room, letting out a sigh of relief. He was used to fleeing his daily life. The many depressions of his wife made their lives hell, and even if he told people he was adjusting, he was lying. The difficulties caused by her temperament weighed heavily on him, and his personal guilt haunted him.

He quickened the pace to avoid the first droplets of rain. This unexpected temperature jostled his schedule. He hastened to close of his coat. The threatening clouds announced a cool wet end of the day. He opened the door, and started the engine.

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Laura and Francis lives changed. This new parade offered dazzling mornings, and sometimes evenings sprinkled with boredom. They replaced old habits with new ways of acting. This day, similar to the others, was nevertheless a festive moment for the child. Miguel promised him an excursion in the woods. This common passion had been forgotten since his departure, and to Laura’s despair, disillusionment was settling in his mind. His father’s frequent absences only increased his insecurities, and she feared the repercussions of these inconsistencies.

The idea of this hike calmed him, and for this reason, she chose not to speak her frustration. She would not allow Miguel’s attitude to be used as a weapon. Her compass was now called Francis, and only his happiness mattered to her.

The boy ran from one window to another, eager to catch a glimpse of his father’s figure. This hobby took the form of an entertaining game. What a beautiful morning! She said.

He nodded affirmatively and continued to enjoy himself. The minutes passed, the air became heavier, and his playfulness gradually diminished. The ticking of the clock pointed to the passing of time, and then came his irritation. Laura followed the evolution of these emotions, ready to intervene if necessary. She understood better than anyone the importance of this ride. The backpack near the front door was a testimony of his passion for this sport. This tiny tote contained all the treasures he had accumulated over time, as well as the new projects he wanted to share with his father.

The phone rang, and with that sound, her expectations disappeared. Francis ran near her. She picked up and tried to control the tone of her voice.

Yes, she said. Okay. I will notify him. Goodbye.

A silence followed. She stroked Francis’s shoulder, and this gesture of intimacy allowed her to feel the tension in his young body. He was experiencing life with all the ups and downs, and his father did not seem to realizse the impact of his decision. She did not recognize the man she had so madly loved. The memories she cherished of him did not resemble the individual he had become, and nothing could explain this change of deep values.

Francis reacted immediately to her touch. Her caress felt like a silent consent to release his sadness. She took him in her arms. The idea of discrediting Miguel resonated in her, but she chose to ignore it. It would only make the situation worse. Francis was suffering, and she wanted above all to calm his grief.

You already guessed that your dad cancelled the ride. I know you’re disappointed, but I have a suggestion for you. He watched her to better assess her expression. She saw a glimmer of interest in his veiled look. Performing such magic on him stimulated her. She was determined to change the tempo of the moment.

Disappointment, Francis, can become a painful emotion. You can let the frustration overwhelm you. Your day will be spent in melancholy and anger, if that is your decision. You have, however, another option. This moment will differ from what you expected, but it will wear the colors you will give it. Happiness is a choice, just like sadness, my love. She smiled and waited before continuing her explanation. Let’s do something else. It would be a mistake to let annoyance rob us of the pleasure we can have.

Francis’s expression changed. Would you agree to do this tour with me? she asked him.

Are you serious mom? he replied.Let’s go together on an adventure. He ran for his backpack, then gave her a huge smile. Come, little prince, follow me.

By encouraging him to change his state of mind, she taught him the importance of reacting when faced with disappointment. These instructions offered him new opportunities, and like a magician, he transformed his reality. He walked toward the car, and leaned against it to wait for her. He had a teasing expression on his face, for he loved being first. This ritual was a game they both played. She ignored his childish look, and opened his door. They quickly glanced at one another, so she seized the opportunity to tease him by making a face, and as if nothing abnormal had happened, she turned back to the driver’s side, and then laughed heartily. This reply told him that not only had she participated, but that in addition, she had won the game. His eyes shone with pleasure, which meant that the storm was behind them. The morning was sweet and pleasant and the sun was shining bright. Francis’s song became the hymn of the day. She took advantage of the tranquility to calm her mind. The traffic was fluid and they arrived in record time.

She parked the car in a small path along the road. Francis spoke incessantly and gesticulated like an actor on stage. She opened the door and in one stride, he jumped out of the vehicule. She had to increase her pace to follow him because he was moving rapidly. His frenetic course made her smile, it reminded her of the agility of the dragonfly. He was here for a moment, then he was elsewhere in the other. She saw him picking tea leaves from the woods that he nibbled to taste the sap, just as Miguel did. This gesture, brought her back in her past, and that bothered her.

Francis slowed down and looked from right to left. He seemed to be watching someone or something. The detective in him rose to the occasion. She watch him and noticed after a while that his attitude changed as if this setting pushed him to follow new tempos. Then, without warning, he stopped speaking, and motioned her to stop. She scanned the landscape, but saw nothing. At last the cardinal’s song rose not far from where they were. She searched for the target and his bright red color revealed his hiding place. Stimulated by the mating season, he was humming his love song. They listened, amused at having outmaneuvered his attention. Then the bird flew away, and Francis continued on his way.

She followed him and noticed how much he had Miguel’s physical aspect. There was a time when this would have pleased her, but that was no longer the case. It constantly reminded her of her past.

She took a moment to let the calm of the place subdue her. They walked a while without speaking. Francis twirled like a young butterfly. He described everything that his father had taught him. He already knew the name of several species of plants and even some trees. Miguel had passed on his passion, and this positive influence forced her to make peace with the man.

The afternoon passed quickly, it was embellished with laughter and confidences. The time of departure was approaching, so she decided to speed up the pace. Francis walked slowly, stretching his pleasure to the maximum. He was secretly gathering small wildflowers, which he carefully placed in his coat pocket. She passed in front of him hoping he would follow her pace, and did not notice the growing gap between them. When she turned around to speek to him, she realized he was no longer near. As if he had understood her anxiety, he hurried up. She giggled when she saw his ruffled hair. He approached and handed her his bouquet. She smiled, then hugged him tenderly. Francis loved her, and she was determined to use this wonderful blessing as fuel.

She put the flowers on the seat near her, and started the engine. After a while, its purr became like a lullaby and Francis fell asleep. When the road allowed her a moment of inattention, she turned to him and dried his moist forehead, then gently placed her waistcoat over his shoulders.

SABRINA

Laura was unable to concentrate. She had no news of her friend Sabrina, and missed her presence. Their last meeting dated before Miguel’s departure, and this situation was abnormal. Nothing explained the fact that she was not answering her calls.

She looked in the mirror hanging on the wall facing her. The reflection it returned was revealing. Despite her early thirties, the passage of time began to leave its traces. She coughed nervously, as she did when she was under the influence of her emotions. She turned away and focused on her speech, she was determined to speak to Marc. She picked up the phone and dialed his number.

Yes, answered the man. Hello, Marc, it’s Laura. I’m sorry to bother you at work, but I can not take it anymore. I am worried, and I must admit that Sabrina’s behavior puzzles me. What is going on? She does not return any of my calls. His silence confirmed that he was uncomfortable with this conversation. She finally heard him sigh sadly. This scream of the heart made her shiver and almost regret her intervention. Sabrina is not doing well. She is depressed and refuses to speak to anyone, even me. All contacts upset her, and she isolates herself. I’m sorry, Laura. Be patient, it will pass. She knew the intensity of her friend’s pain. The death of her young baby had completely shattered her. Like Marc, she sighed helplessly. Then, I’ll wait. Tell me, did you see a doctor?

Yes we did. He said that she was under an emotional stress. I am convinced that she will get through it. I find it sad that she does not use our friendship as a lifeline. I have always considered her as my sister. Don’t forget, you can count on me. Give me news from time to time. I love you.

Thanks, Laura.

This exchange did not reassure her. Marc seemed resigned, but his silences were revealing. He did not ask how Francis was doing, and that oversight showed her that he was trying to hide his concerns. The time of recklessness they had all known together was gradually fading away. A great sadness seized her and her past came to haunt her, so she decided to go for a walk, hoping fresh air would ease the pain.

She walked for a long time and each of her steps accompanied a very precise memory. Some events refused to sink into oblivion, including the image of her friend’s baby, Mary. She was such an adorable and beautiful child, and her death affected everyone! She shivered, responding not only to the cool air, but also to the sadness of her thoughts. She looked around and realized that no sunbeams were making their way through the thick clouds.

A silhouette caught her attention from afar. She recognized the proud look of her son, but noticed that his pace was slower than it normally was. He seemed preoccupied. She checked her watch and realized that the school day was over.

She turned around and went back to the house. She unlocked the front door and went directly to her office. She checked her answering machine, and even had time to do a couple of tasks before he arrived. Contrary to his habits, he did not run into the room where she was. She waited a moment, then went in the living room where he was. He was sitting head down, staring at the floor. In a voice filled with tenderness, she questioned him.

Is there something troubling you, do you want to talk about it? He hesitated before opening up. I am sad mom. My friend, Samuel’s father, came and got him at school today, and to see them so happy, made me feel bad. It reminded me of our past. My teacher saw my discomfort, and he questionned me. I was so ashamed to tell the truth that I lied to him. I know that I should not lie, but I was unable to be honest. I told him that Dad was doing last minute shopping for the cottage which explained his delay, and then I continued lying. I said that we would do lots of activities together during our stay.

She coughed to hide her emotion. I know that you miss him a lot, and even if he does not live with us anymore, he will always be in our lives. We must adjust to this transition. It’s a question of trial and error. The first moments are difficult, but change is never easy, and with time things get better. He listened attentively. Do you want to tell me what is bothering you in our current situation? I was used to our routine, and especially to his presence.

This short sentence was quickly said as if he wanted to hide his sadness from his mother. The tone

of his voice told her that he was not doing well. She inhaled deeply taking a moment to center herself. This pain was familiar for she also felt Mighel’s absence.

We are all living a period of adaptation. I assure you that everything will be fine. I would like you to remember that we had, at the beginning of our family’s history, a dad always present. We must now get used to the fact that he will be with us in other circumstances. But mom, I do not want things to be different. Life is perpetual change Francis, to wrestle against this fact is useless. Nothing is permanent. On the other hand, it is in our power to transform our moods. In fact, I think it is our responsibility to fill the void left by his departure.

He stared at her as if his attitude could alter her perception. She realized that the task ahead would be difficult. Her secret weapon was hidden deep in her memory. Encouraged by that thought, she continued. My mother told me that life is a game that has its own rules. One of them is the acceptance of things that are out of our control, for resistance poisons the existence of the person who chooses it. In addition, it fuels anger and frustration and in the long run, it weakens the body and the mind. You have, however, another option. If you put your energy elsewhere than on this problem, you will change your reality. I’m going to prove to you that this theory works. This may seem complicated, but I will help you in this process. She smiled tenderly at him.

There still was a question that he needed to address. Why did daddy leave? She took a moment before answering, for she wanted her answer to be reassuring.

I know we’re short on answers, but I am convinced that, one day, he will be able to talk about it with us in detail. For now, we must have confidence in the future. If we open our minds to change, everything will be possible. We have to leave the past behind. In fact, his departure is not an end, it is the beginning of a new sequence in our lives. The present moment hides many favorable opportunities, and we will, from now on, pay attention to them. She inhaled, deeply conscious of the importance of her role. How about going to our refuge for a few days? Francis raised his head and a glimmer of hope changed his expression. Are you serious? I would like it a lot! If this changes your mood, I will close the office sooner."

The house near the lake was the place he preferred the most, and the prospect of returning there wiped out all traces of nostalgia. Laura was happy to see that grief had no hold on him. Her son had a cheerful soul, and she was determined to preserve his innocence.

He ran up the stairs. She heard him open and close the drawers of his wardrobe. She went to his room to spy on him, and stayed there for a while, happy to watch him work. His jerky movements made his compass swirl around his neck and that made her laugh. She noticed how he was paying attention to her instructions, depositing the important things on the bed so that she could sort them out. Time was passing by, and she had to pack. She ran to her room and finished her suitcase then came back to finalized his. Soon after, he slammed the door behind him, and came back down. She turned off the lights and locked the door.

She watched him roll her suitcase in one hand, and in the other he was carrying his backpack. She could not help but notice how he acted like a faithful companion. Their daily lives was thus lived, everyone took over Miguel’s tasks. Through these experiences, Francis was discovering a new way of loving.

The sun came back gradually. She turned on the radio, and let her spirit sail. The purr of the engine became a liberating sound that allowed her to escape. The little village in which she was traveling told her that she was nearing her destination. She took the first exit and drove a few kilometers on dusty ground. The lake appeared on the horizon and made her shudder with pleasure. Francis gave her a huge smile. She parked the car, then turned to him. Here we are.

They both got off the car, and she took a moment to admire the panorama. This place had worked magic on her heart since her childhood. This picturesque landscape was