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Jakob squeezes my hand, bringing me back to the celebration around us. He doesn’t need to hear my words to understand; his cerulean eyes mirror my thoughts, reflecting a shared history that is both incredibly brief and as deep as time itself.
“Your grandmother would have loved to see this,” he says softly.
I nod, feeling a swell of emotion rise within my chest. My grandmother, who lived multiple lifetimes in one and who taught me to work hard and love even harder, would indeed be brimming with joy. In my mind’s eye, I see her smiling down at us, her spirit woven into the tapestry of stars above.
“Thank you, Grandma,” I breathe out, the words a silent prayer of gratitude. For her heart, her courage, and the values she instilled in me.
In the embrace of the night, surrounded by new family and old friends, by the love of my life and the daughter who has become the center of our universe, I am exactly where I am meant to be. A heartbeat in a country that pulses with history and promise, a page in a story that is only just beginning.
“Let’s make her proud,” I say to Jakob, my eyes meeting his with a conviction that flows from my very soul.
“We will,” he promises.
In the echo of those words, I feel the legacy of my grandmother’s spirit intertwine with the future of Bergovia — a future I leaped towards on a whim, a future that now holds everything precious to me.
“Come on, my queen,” Jakob teases, tugging me gently toward the festivities awaiting our return, the laughter and music beckoning us back to celebrate.
“Lead the way, my king,” I reply.
Our smiles are as bright as the constellations above, my heart soaring with a joy that knows no bounds. Together, we step forward, hand in hand, into the rest of our lives.
The End