Happiness. It is the one thing people could do anything in order to obtain. It is treated like an object,a valuable possession that only a few are lucky to have while the rest will do everything in their power to even have a little taste of it. However,as the years go by,each and everyone realizes that even the lucky ones, are unlucky. Living a happy life means being forced to always carry the fear of the uncertain because nothing lasts forever and if it does,it takes sacrifices. The word happiness has various interpretations depending on the person but one thing remains similar in all cases and that is the need to have someone by your side. Someone that would help you through difficult times. It does not matter if it is a romantic partner,a friend or a family member. All that matters is how even one person can make you feel like you have a place in this world.

Unfortunately,for Alice Munro,that was an unfulfilled dream. Life in London had been her own personal hell this past year as she drown in self-pity,regret and loneliness. Cousin Eugenia was a woman so ignorant and selfish,Alice considered it a miracle that she was married,especially to such a kind man as her husband John. Those two were the most ridiculous couple she had ever met and that of course,did not make her staying any easier. She missed her sister and her cousin. She missed the life they had together,the life they could have had together. She missed it all and every night she stayed awake until late hours thinking if she had made the right choice by leaving. She got her freedom and her independence but it was just not enough.

''Miss Alice?'' A polite voice brought her out of her thoughts. Alice gasped and swiftly turned around,only to face a maid of the house,who immedietaly bowed her head in apology.

''I am very sorry for startling and interrupting you Miss but your presence is being requested.'' Alice nodded and thanked the young girl as she followed her out to the gardens where her cousin Eugenia and her friends were having tea. Their loud voices made Alice cringe in fear for what was to come and she had to force the smile on her face.

Despite the cold weather that still lingered,the faint sunlight was enough to warm up the settlement. A year had gone by and now another winter was coming to an end.

'Times does fly by.' Mariah couldn't help but think,the small bundle in her arms the clear proof of it. A baby boy laid silent among blankets as he slept in his aunt's embrace. Cora and Nathaniel had gotten married a few months after Alice left and the pregnancy soon followed. It most definitely was not planned but in any case, the couple welcomed their first child Edmund,an obvious tribute to Cora's father. Difficulties stood in their way many times considering how inexperienced they both were,but with a little help from everyone,so far they had been managing just fine. Mariah adored her nephew and he seemed to be pretty fond of her as well. She and Uncas were always delighted to look after him. The boy drew much attention to himself and the women in the settlement loved to play with him.

Such was the case this very moment. A group of elderly women was seated around Mariah and the boy,laughing and talking about their boring days. Not wanting to appear rude,Mariah accepted their company even though she would rather be anywhere else but there. Cora was busy knitting clothes with the rest of the women while Uncas and Nathaniel were assisting the other men with the crops. Usually,Mariah would either be helping Cora or Miss Claire but someone had to look after Edmund and she thought it could be a good idea to give Cora sometime for herself. That of course,meant having to sit through a long period of screaming children,elderly ladies gossiping and an upcoming headache. Deciding she had enough,Mariah slowly rose from her seat and smiled apologetically.

''I fear that I need to leave for now. Miss Claire is probably wondering why I've been gone for so long.'' Several protests were heard but Mariah ignored them and quickly took her chance to leave. Walking with quick but steady steps,she reached Claire's cabin and quietly entered. She found the woman standing infront of a large pot,adding ingredients to what looked like to be soup.

''If I have to sit with those ladies again I will surely go mad.'' Mariah complained.

''They enjoy your company dear.''

''The feeling is not mutual.'' That earned her a dirty look from Miss Claire and Mariah waved her hand in dismissal. The movement woke up the baby and he slowly opened his eyes. His chubby hands reached up to stroke his aunt's face while laughing in glee.

Miss Claire smiled. ''The boy adores you.'' Mariah nodded and laughed along with Edmund as she rocked him,humming a cheerful tune.

As the evening sun slowly started to set,Nathaniel and Uncas finally made their way home. Before nightfall they all gathered at Miss Claire's cabin to eat and share words.

''Welcome home.'' Mariah called out to the men and reached her hand out to Uncas. He gladly took it and gently pulled her to his side. He tucked her hair behind her ear and stroked her cheek without a word. She felt colour rise to her cheeks. This was his way of saying he missed her and Mariah was glad he decided to show it this way instead of voicing it like Nathaniel often did with Cora. Edmund stirred in Mariah's arms when he saw his mother and Cora was quick to approach. Mariah handed him to Cora and Nathaniel came to stand by her side. She and Uncas admired the sight of the happy family. It had all happened so quickly it was amazing how they all managed to adjust.

Uncas leaned down to whisper in Mariah's ear. ''Have you eaten?'' She nodded. ''Yes a while ago. Do you want me to prepare you a plate?'' Uncas smiled and nodded,quietly taking a seat at the table. When the food was ready,he ate rather quickly,something he never did. He always took his time to enjoy dinner and talk with his brother. Finishing,he pushed the plate away and got up.

''Brother,I fear that for tonight you will be absent of my presence.'' They all gave him worried looks as he laced his fingers with Mariah's once again.

''Are you feeling okay Uncas?'' Cora asked but her only response was a quiet nod. Mariah bid everyone goodbye and made her way out with Uncas. They walked to their cabins holding hands,ignoring the bitter looks from the people passing by. They were used to it by now. When they reached their home,Mariah was practically rushed inside.

''What is going on?'' She managed to speak out before she was silenced. Uncas kissed her with force,roughly and needily. Mariah pulled away in worry. While he was usually the one to take the first step when it came to them being intimate,he never did it so bluntly.

''Did something happen?'' Uncas nodded and leaned to kiss her neck. ''I haven't had the time to touch you in days. I missed you.''

Mariah smiled and reached up to stroke his hair. This vulnerable side of him was rare to be seen but when it came out on the surface,she absolutely loved it. Uncas caressed her waist and slowly unlaced her bodice. It fell to the ground and her shift was now the only thing covering her almost naked body. She was also quick to undress him. His loincloth now the only thing seperating them as Mariah fisted the edge of her dress and lifted it up and off her. Uncas led her to their small bed and carefully laid her on it. Mariah reached inside his cloth and took hold of his member. At the contact he gave a small moan and hid his face in the crook of her neck. She guided him at her entrance and slowly curled her free arm around him,bringing his body even closer.

God how much she loved him.