As we wait for the rain to stop, the four of us talk about how happy Aunt Grace and Marek would be if only they could have known that one day they would be together again. Then, just as quickly as the shower started, it stops, and the sun pops out from behind a cloud. It looks like the right moment to spread their ashes has arrived.
We walk a little further and discover the most beautiful resting place in a patch of greenery overlooking the city and the Vltava River.
‘This is it,’ I say.
‘Definitely,’ says Albert.
Zuzana smiles and nods as she holds on tightly to Albert’s arm.
‘Perfect,’ says Tomas.
‘You ready?’ I say to Albert.
‘Yes.’
We unscrew the lids of our respective urns and scatter the contents together. The ashes fly about and dance together before merging into one another and forming a single cloud.
We all hug each other. Albert pats me on the back. ‘We did it! We reunited them, and it’s all thanks to you.’
I look up to the sky and see that a bright rainbow has appeared above us. It frames the four of us, the ashes, and the view of the Vltava River.
Aunt Grace always told me that after a storm comes a rainbow, and it is as if she is reminding me that after hard times, there is always hope. I look at Tomas, his eyes shining with emotion, his hair swept by the wind, and realise that I am grateful for those dark days after Craig left me, as I can truly appreciate the happier moments and will never take anything for granted.
‘So, we’ll see you both later for dinner, hey?’ says Tomas, reminding Albert and Zuzana about the Christmas Eve meal we have planned for tonight back at our home.
‘Looking forward to it,’ says Albert.
‘Sorry we have to rush off, but there’s somewhere I must take Olivia now,’ says Tomas.
‘We understand,’ smiles Albert.
Tomas won’t tell me where he is taking me, but he told me yesterday that he had a surprise planned for today after we had reunited Aunt Grace and Marek. So, as Tomas drives us away from the park, I sit quietly, trying to work out where we are going until I realise we are heading towards Prague Castle.
It is almost a year since I first came to this enchanted castle that stands out amongst the views of Prague. The soggy sleet has turned into snow by the time we arrive, and it is falling fast. It is getting slippery underfoot, and I try to steady myself as I walk along the white ground beneath me, heading towards the castle. I am glad of the strength of Tomas’ arm, which I grip onto tightly to make sure I don’t fall head first.
We walk towards the castle that I saw last year when I was a tourist. Now, I am more of a resident, and I look around, remembering the stories Tomas told me about Franz Kafka and the bookshop here, the Gunpower Bridge and the tales from within these castle walls that have been told over centuries.
I take my time looking at the building, but Tomas seems to be in a rush to get around the sights of the castle today. Perhaps he wants to catch the changing of the guards, like the last time we were here. Although, I am also aware that we have a busy day and a lot to do before tonight.
He seems a little stressed, even though I have promised to help with the cooking for Albert and Zuzana. Fortunately, Tomas managed to find someone to hold the reins at the bar tonight. The culinary tours he now runs around the city have also been cancelled for the day. I am so glad he liked my idea, and they have become the success I knew they would.
‘Let’s head to the gardens. We don’t have much time,’ says Tomas as I stop to explore a colourful building on the Golden Lane. I am not sure why he wanted to come here today if he is going to be so worried about getting back home.
We rush along to the next part of the castle and make our way to the Royal Gardens, which is slowly becoming a blanket of brilliant white snow.
‘Gosh, this is so beautiful, Tomas.’
I look around to see that we are the only two people about. Perhaps the inclement weather has kept people away.
‘I thought it would be perfect here. Come closer,’ says Tomas.
He takes one hand and then the other and pulls me close.
‘Olivia, I have something to ask you.’
Suddenly, I feel nervous. I hope it isn’t that he wants us to leave Prague. Surely not, as we love running the businesses. I also enjoy living here near Albert and Zuzana. I love that Zuzana’s English classes with me mean that we can now communicate more. Although I am also trying my best to learn Czech, and fortunately, Tomas is a wonderful teacher.
The mill is so popular as a holiday rental that the regular visitors would be disappointed if I took it off the market if we were to ever think about going back to Wales. Everyone loves it, and it even has four and a half stars on Trip Advisor. Of course, there is always the meanie who has to complain about something, and someone knocked off three stars because they were woken up by the sound of foxes procreating in the bushes outside the back bedroom. Like it was my fault!
