I pull the letter out from the open envelope and scan over it. I start reading the words out loud.
‘10 April 1994
My dearest Marek,
It’s been nine months since we were last together, and I’m counting down the days until we are reunited. Since you left, there hasn’t been much excitement to report back to you. My darling, Marek, the truth is that it’s so hard living without you. I can’t wait for your next letter. I treasure every word you say. I can’t wait to feel your arms around me again and to kiss you. I don’t want to kiss anyone else in my lifetime, nobody compares to you.’
I look up at Albert, slightly mortified. At least it is only kissing she is talking about. I clear my throat and start again.
‘Sometimes, you don’t need to spend a long time with someone to know you should be together. In case I haven’t made myself clear enough, I can’t wait to see you again. I love you, I love you, I love you!
Love always and forever,
Gx’
Tomas sighs as I finish reading the letter. ‘That’s beautiful,’ he says.
‘I know. They were so lucky to have met each other. I’ve no doubt it would have worked out eventually had the accident not happened. Isn’t it awful? Some people are destined for each other, but then something like this happens.’
‘It’s all quite emotional. Should we have a day off the letters tomorrow?’ says Tomas.
‘That sounds good. Anyway, since it’s Christmas Eve, I’m sure you’ll be too busy with all the preparations.’
‘No, it’s fine. In fact, I was going to ask you if you wanted to visit Prague Castle in the morning. I could take you around.’
I consider whatever is going on with any woman in his life. I don’t want to make her mad, and feel I should refuse. However, Albert interrupts before I can decline.
‘You have to let Tomas take you to the castle. You’ll love it,’ says Albert.
‘Oh, I don’t want to put anyone out. I can go alone, it’s okay.’
‘No, I’ll not have that. You have to let Tomas take you. He can tell you things about it. He wants you to go with him. It’s no problem at all, is it Tomas?’
‘No, please. I’d very much like to take you there.’
I look at the both of them smiling at me.
‘Well, if you’re sure it won’t upset anyone or not be a problem, then I’d love to go. You have no idea how much I have desperately wanted to visit the castle! You see, my aunt gave me a snow globe of Prague Castle. It is the most precious thing and—’
‘Hang on a minute,’ says Albert. He gets up slowly and goes into his bedroom. When he comes out, he is holding a snow globe in the palm of his hand.
‘That’s exactly like the one I have!’ I say.
‘I thought it might be. Marek bought them on a school trip to the castle when he was young. He bought one for our parents and one for me. But the one he bought my parents went missing. Not long after he met your aunt.’
‘Ah, that’s so cute.’
‘Finally, the mystery of where it went is solved,’ laughs Albert.
‘Well, it’s very beautiful, and my aunt treasured it for the rest of her life. It’s safe at my home if you want it returned.’
‘No, it’s yours now. Think of it as a Christmas present. Anyway, I have this one to remember Marek by,’ says Albert.
‘That’s most kind. Thank you.’
I look at Albert and across to Tomas, who is smiling at me. I feel warm and fuzzy, as though I have found a new family.
What better Christmas present could there possibly be than receiving the magical snow globe and getting accepted into this wonderful home?
