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No one’s lost as long as they live in your heart this was a truth Marion learnt in the camps people’s presence linger long after . Marion found herself lying on the ground. It was soft, and the surrounding was bright. She quickly recalled that she had been in a hospital bed with Alice and Maggie at her bedside.
“Welcome to the other side old girl .” Joss said as she stood in front of Marion along with Rose ,Vicky, Beatrice,ulrica . Marion’s eyes filled up with tears of joy of being with her once lost friend’s who had become her family and support in the camps and afterwards .
“Joss ..Bee ..Rose ..Vicky oh I can’t tell you how happy I’m to be with you all again.” Marion said embraced every single one as she said their name in a heartfelt hug. After a moment to collect herself from the raging emotions of joy of being with her old dear friends again . She took around her surroundings and noticed for the first time how bight and calm and the world looked like a reflection of the world she’d just left.” “Where are we? “Marion asked with curiosity in her voice. Rose looked around with a gentle smile, “Welcome to Haven, Marion. This is where we all come to rest when we’re free from pain and suffering. It’s our home now, together again .”
“Almost all of us.” Replied with her signature grin on her face “Mrs Johnson not here and good riddance.” Joss said in the gusto fashion that Marion had missed over the years. “You’r view of the life after death is refreshing.” Marion said the sunlight casting a glow on the group’s face’s .
As they moved into a place that looked like an endless city . As the group walked through the streets they came upon a laughing Blanch and Debbie.
Their spirits looked as free and light as the ripples the stones created.
Marion watched in amazement as the scene unfolded in front of her. “Blanch! Debbie!” She called out with excitement. They turned around, their eyes widening in shock and then filled with pure delight at the sight of her. They rushed over, and soon she was in the midst of another round of warm embraces. We’ve been waiting for you, Marion!” Debbie exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection.
Marion looked at her friends in amazement. They all looked so much and more vibrant than she had ever seen them in life. Marion felt a lump in her throat as she spoke, "I'm so happy to be with all of you again, but I can't help but feel guilty for not being able to save more of us.” Blanch placed a comforting hand on Marion's shoulder. "Oh hush," she said, her eyes filled with understanding. "You did everything you could. You gave us all strength, hope, and a reason to keep fighting. You were the glue that held us together," Beatrice continued. "Without you, we would have all crumbled much sooner. And there would be more of us here now You brought us comfort, you give us hope when we had little left."
I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "but it's hard to let go of the 'what ifs'. What if I had been stronger? What if I had done more? But it’s time I leave that in the past.” Marion took a deep breath, the weight of their words sinking in. emerged as Debbie spotted a group of butterflies dancing in the air. "Look at those beauties!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up like a child's. She reached out her hand, and to Marion's amazement, one of the butterflies landed gently on her finger. "Here, let's make a wish," she said, passing the butterfly to Marion.
The women took turns making wishes, their faces filled with the kind of innocent hope . They giggled as the butterflies flitted from one hand to another, bringing a moment of whimsy to the otherwise serious conversation. “Wish for Alice and Maggie,Kate, Dorothy " Rose suggested, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Maybe they'll send us a sign that they're okay."
Marion couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought. It was a simple act, but it felt like a gentle release of the tension that had been coiled within her. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and made a silent wish for her dear friends to find peace . As she opened her eyes, the butterfly took flight, joining the others in a graceful dance above their heads.
The group of women, now just a few, began to break off with warm hugs and promises to meet up soon. Their laughter and chatter grew faint as they disappeared down the cobblestone path. Beatrice remained by Marion's side, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Come, I'll show you where you'll be staying," Beatrice said, taking Marion's hand gently. They meandered through the cobblestone streets, lined with buildings that looked as if they'd been plucked straight from the earth. The vibrant parkland slowly gave way to quieter, more residential areas. “Is that ?”Marion said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.” “Yes last home you and I lived in and next to it your childhood home , it’s as spacious as the one down there ever could be, and of your mother and father are waiting to see you.” Marion’s heart felt like it was skipping a beat if it was still possible as Beatrice led her to the familiar white picket fence that surrounded her old house. The once vibrant garden that her mother had so meticulously tended to had grown a little wild, but the charm remained untouched. As they stepped through the creaky gate and onto the cobblestone path, the front door swung open and a man with a broad smile and twinkling eyes emerged. Marion’s father, George, rushed out to embrace her, his burly arms enveloping her in a warm, comforting hug. "Marion, my girl," he said in a gruff but affectionate voice, "it’s been too long!" His eyes searched hers, a silent question of how she had been. Marion felt a rush of nostalgia as she took in the sight of her father and the way he still had a few strands of his mother’s auburn hair. The scent of his pipe tobacco brought back a flood of memories, of cozy nights by the fireplace and bedtime stories filled with adventure and magic. Her mother, followed her father out of the house a few seconds later her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. She was as elegant as ever, with her silk blouse and perfectly styled hair, yet the wrinkles around her eyes spoke of a lifetime of love and time spent in the sun . They embraced, holding on tightly as if to make up for every moment they'd missed.
Beatrice, sensing the need for privacy, excused herself gracefully. "I'll just go and get the kettle going " she said, giving Marion a knowing smile. "Your mother insisted we have some tea and biscuits to celebrate your coming ."
Marion nodded, her throat thick with emotion. As Beatrice disappeared into the house, George led Marion and Elena to the parlor where a small round table was set with a delicate china set. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting warm hues on the antique furnishings that had been a staple of Marion's youth. They sat down together, the quietness of the moment a stark contrast to the buzzing excitement outside. I've had quite the journey," Marion began, her voice shaking slightly. She shared tales of her travels, the people she had met, and the lessons she had learned. George listened intently, nodding every now and then, his eyes never leaving hers. His strong, calloused hands gripped the handle of his teacup, a silent testament to his own life's work and the pride he felt for his daughter.
Elena, meanwhile, listened with a serene expression, occasionally dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. Her hand rested lightly on Marion's arm, offering silent comfort and support soon enough Marion and Beatrice left with the promise to return to tell them all about their grandson and grate granddaughter . Once they arrived at their home Beatrice showed Marion to her room .
On what Marion called the next day, she dressed quickly and headed downstairs, where she found Beatrice sitting at the table sipping tea. "Good morning! Are you ready for to meet the others? Beatrice asked with a sparkle in her eyes. Marion nodded eagerly.
As they approached, Rose saw them and waved excitedly. "Hey, you we were just about ready to come looking for you?”Marion smiled, feeling a warmth from the welcome. She could see Nellie and Domenica as well as Sylvia and Sally . Marion loood on Suzy and daisy who were engrossed in their own life game.
“What are we doing today?" Marion asked, her heart jumping with excitement over what was to come.
“Anything you bloody well like “ joss replied in a tone heart happily . A loud chuckle of laughter erupted.
One by one the women were reunited with their friends and even met their families as their time came and enjoyed their eternal afterlife together.
The end.