Epilogue
The Beginning
Maria had always thought the Abbey chapel was the most exquisite place in the whole facility. It was also one of the most beautiful places in the world to her, after the Untersburg.
She had never, in all her life, thought that she would be getting married in it.
Yet, there she was, dressed in an unearthly and stunning white gown, a long veil flowing down her back. She never felt more beautiful than she did at that moment.
The organ blared above her, and she believed herself to be in another existence, another world. The feeling was comforting.
The gate closed behind her, the nuns on the other side. She saw this as an appropriate symbol. While they were smiling and so happy for her, she knew that she didn't belong in their world, as lovely as it was. With Reverend Mother's help, she was taking the steps to where she was meant to be. She smiled at them, nervously, as all brides do to the family they leave behind.
Looking at Liesl, her Maid of Honor, Maria nodded her head. The other returned the gesture, and winked in assurance. Everything was going to be perfect.
Slowly, Maria started to walk down the aisle. The Abbey chapel was tiny, but the walk to the altar seemed an eternity. Maria felt that she couldn't get there fast enough; she wanted to run up the stairs to Georg, but held herself back. This moment would only come once.
Finally, she ascended the stairs and accepted the hand Georg had reached out to her. She caught his eye and held his glance.
He smiled lovingly at her as they walked to their union, facing their future together.
Fin.