Gardener's garden

Returning home to Sokolnice, Marie and Petr were greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of their village, the streets echoing with barking of guardian dogs and voices of little children playing outside. As they stepped through the threshold of their lovely land around a nice house, Marie's heart swelled with a sense of peace and belonging.

Petr took Marie's hand in his own, a silent promise passing between them as they surveyed the garden that lay before them. It was a sanctuary of greenery and color, a reflection of Marie's passion for gardening and her deep connection to the natural world.

Rows of lilacs stood tall and proud, their delicate blossoms gone but still serving as symbols of clarity. Even though the delicate heads of red roses had wilted, they still cascaded from trellises and arbors, symbolizing romantic love. Nestled amidst the vegetable beds stood the national tree, a linden planted by Peter and cared for by Marie, symbolizing their patriotism for Czechoslovakia.

Marie's expert but also personal touch was evident in every part of the garden, from the carefully curated fruit bushes and trees to the strategically placed birdhouses and feeders. Her love for birds was reflected in the variety of species that frequented their garden, their colorful plumage a vibrant contrast to the lush greenery.

As they strolled around the house in mutual agreement to firstly enjoy the garden, Marie and Petr engaged in calm conversation, their voices mingling with the rustle of autumn colored leaves in the wind and the chirping of nonmigratory birds. They spoke of their hopes and dreams for Radka, of the joys and challenges that lay ahead as they embarked on the journey of parenthood together.

"I promise you, Marienka, that I will take care also of the garden," Petr said, using the diminutive of her name, but his tone was serious. "And I will keep my older promise of helping you in the house, especially until our child will grow enough for not needing mother's care so much."

Marie smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. Thank you, Petr," she replied respectfully, her voice carrying a tender emotion despite not using any endearments. "This garden is more than just an exhibition of plants and flowers. It's a reflection of who we are, of the love and care that we pour into every aspect of our lives."

Their conversation turned to more somber topics as they discussed the plight of Marie's grandaunt, Eva. Marie's heart ached at the thought of her grandaunt, who had illegally fled Czechoslovakia in search of freedom and happiness.

"It's not fair, Petr," Marie whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Eva should be in our country, able to celebrate the birth of her niece. But instead, she's in India, disallowed to come here as we are banned from any abroad travel due to the injustices of our government."

Petr nodded in silent agreement, his expression mirroring Marie's sadness. "We will continue with our careful undermining of this terrible regime, Marie," he vowed, his voice filled with determination. "We are not able to change the past, but we can work towards a better future, one when Eva can visit our family or can be visited by us."

And as they circled their house, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of their love concentrated inside, Marie and Petr felt that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their shared commitment to home, family and the pursuit of liberation.