Chapiter 1

This year had been particularly sluggish, yet the cool weather, the crisp air that embraces the surroundings with their sweetness tell you that autumn is fast approaching. Trees slowly fading into a yellow-green hue, and landscapes turning into a deep tangerine shade filled the eyes of this woman sitting behind her window. She was busy observing the fascinating changes of nature as her reflection displays over the glass.

Over time, wrinkles had etched on her once angelic face, her long white hair held in a chignon, reflected the passing of the years. Her wrinkled hands tapped quickly on the parapet of the window as her eyes watched an old oak tossed by a slight breeze and it's leaves falling on the wet ground.

In a sigh, she leaned back a little more in her chair and let her head landing on the case.
-How much longer?
She closed eyes, enjoying the tranquility that filled her routine.
The tranquility was short-lived. The door suddenly opened, revealing an energetic dark-haired, olive complexioned young woman.

"Grand-Ma?"
"Here my beloved!"

She rushed to the voice, dancing slightly, with a smile. She kissed the old lady on the forehead and knelt at her feet.

"How are you today grandma?"
"I'm fine. I'm fine.

With these words, she gently tapped the hands of her granddaughter which had glided on her knees.

"Do you need something?"
"Thank you Sarah, I'm good. You seem to be in a very good mood today."

The young woman laughed, showing teeth of a perfect whiteness. Her eyes were shinning.

"Let's say that the day went well. I am weighed down with work though."
"And you will be finally graduating at the end of the year. I'm so proud of you."

Time passed so quickly. It seemed it was only yesterday she was still this little pink baby in her arms. She brushed Sarah's cheek with her trembling hand, outlining a tender smile.

"Thank you, grandma."

The old lady was her solace her whole life. Always there when she was needed, giving her advice the best she could. Her wisdom and her experience guiding her, helping her to flourish, to be herself without fear or regret. It will undoubtedly leave a huge blank when she would go permanently. At that thought a shadow passed in her eyes, and her throat dried up.

" What's the matter my dear? Something is wrong?"

As taken by surprise, Sarah flinched.

" Oh no… No, grandma, everything is fine."
"Well, what's new with you? And Steven---has he finally proposed?"

Embarrassed, the young woman blushed, and broke a nervous laugh while she pushed her ebony scattered on her shoulders with her hand.

" What do you mean by that? Steven is just a friend… a very good friend… my best friends in fact. He…"

The old lady furrowed her eyebrows slightly with a sceptical look.

"There's nothing more I swear."
"The way he looks at you doesn't fool anybody, though. You aren't indifferent to him either."
"We've known each other for years. He is my confidante, my best friend. We share many things together but there is nothing between us."

She listened to her granddaughter while smiling.

"There has never been anything. Well…… we kissed once… Oh, but nothing serious… we were just a little too drunk and we got carried away… but it didn't go further. I'm sure he will find someone good."

Her flow of speech which had accelerated slowing gradually

"Steven is funny, caring, nice, and honest. He always knows how to boost morale. He is romantic…"

As she enumerated his qualities, her gaze glowed. Her eyes were sparkling, her cheeks blushing.

"Do you love him?"

Surprised by the question, the young woman swallowed and almost choked.

"Grandma! But……… What are you… it is totally different. We come from two opposing worlds. There was nothing…"
"And you are not answering my question. Do you love him?"

Sarah lowered her eyes, searching her words.

"And if actually I do love him... If I actually I do feel more than friendship for him, and things do not work between us? I will lose my best friend! We would lose everything we have! I do not want to take this risk…"

Affected by the plight of her granddaughter, the old lady tightened her hands on hers.

"Sarah… What if it does work between you and it works amazingly? What if it's the love story of your life, the one you have been waiting for forever? Life is a risk, my dear."

Seeing that her words did not appear to convince the girl, she tried another approach.

"Let me tell you a story. The story of a couple that I knew a few years ago…"