A/N: A big thank-you to my beta LaMomo for her help :o)
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight.
Country
Everyone has a favorite place to visit, a country that they love to explore and long to return to.
Various countries and cultures remind me of Bella. Her perception and true self-awareness often led me to think of Eastern cultures and mysticism. As with many southern European countries, punctuality was not paramount to Bella; instead, savoring every moment was. Though she was a force to be reckoned with, Bella never wanted to be center stage; she was less assuming.
My favorite country is not one that would most include as the first destination in their grand travel plans. It is not an obvious destination like Paris, New York, Sydney or London. It's not in Asia or Africa.
Mine is a place that called out to me unexpectedly. It drew me in and changed me, though I hadn't realized I needed to experience the life that it offered.
Because of Bella, I would always love Switzerland.
Not for its majesty, mountains, hills, or valleys. Not for its picturesque landscapes, or rich history, though it offers all of this and more. Rather, for its seemingly unassuming place in the world. Not demanding to be noticed, yet worthy of attention. Not favoring one over another. Never forcing one to choose sides.
Bella was the calm in the midst of my chaos. My personal moderator, settling my warring halves. She was my escape from battle. She was my safe haven. She was where I wanted to live, to settle down. Bella was where I was meant to be.