Genevieve and Francois were of the few minded and lucky couples that believed whole heartedly in the existence of true love, their life was proof of that. This isn't their story, but rather a story of a man they saved because of the strength of their love. Genevieve's mother was a maid for Francois' family, and so Genevieve grew up with Francois, and they spent most of their time together. While his parents did not approve, Francois loved Genevieve and eventually they eloped and were married. They had two sons, whom they loved immensely, though Genevieve had always hoped for a girl, and that's just what they found one summer. Anna was seven when the fever took both her mother and father, and she mourned their loses greatly. They had been a poor but happy family. Her mother sang while her father played various instruments. Theirs was a beautiful and timeless love. Her father often told her to marry for love and, never settle, and mother always told her to look within someone, beyond what she saw, and to love and show kindness where others might not, for it is easy for true beauty to be hidden. Anna, therefore, was a wise, kindhearted, trusting, and open minded little girl. When Genevieve saw her sitting in the square she asked of her parents. "Where are your parents? You're not out here all alone are you?" Anna nodded solemnly and replied, looking up at the stranger, "my parents have gone to heaven, and I have no other family." "No one?" Genevieve inquired, "How awful...won't you come with me? I'd very much like to help you." Anna was trusting, given that she'd recently become dependent upon the mercy of strangers, and Genevieve was kindly and gentle, reminding Anna of her mother. When Genevieve brought Anna home, she explained the poor girls plight to Francois, and they took her in. Finally, they felt their family was whole. Francois and Genevieve's boys both became enamored with Anna, though she was much closer in age and much more familiar with their youngest boy, Raoul. Philippe was jealous, being the eldest he felt he deserved everything. Somehow, despite his parentage, he was filled with rage and jealousy, and behaved spoiled and entitled, much to his parents chagrin. Raoul loved Anna, and she in turn loved him. His parents were certain the two would one day be married. Then one summer, on a beach, everything changed. Anna was 10, Raoul 12, and Philippe 15, and they were on vacation. Raoul ran into the sea after a little girls red scarf and returned it to her. From that moment on for the rest of the summer, his attention turned to her. He didn't intend to spurn Anna, but she felt hurt nevertheless. When they returned home, Raoul pined for that girl on the beach and Anna for him. As the years went by, they were close once more, and became all but inseparable. But, when Raoul was 18, he went to Paris, found that girl from the beach again, fell madly in love with her, and married her soon after. Anna stayed home with Philippe and his parents, heartbroken. Genevieve and Francois knew Anna was sad, but hoped perhaps she'd learn to love Philippe. They died in each other's arms three years later.