Beginning of the Summer

"She was something."

When I first met her, it changed my outlook on life. Everything that seemed ordinary before turned into a picturesque scene.

It has been two years since the war in the East ended, and my family and I have been constantly moving from place to place. We decided to finally settle in Minolva, a small countryside town near the ocean. My mother asked me to explore the area before we committed to a long-term stay. This is where I find myself spending my summer this year.

Before I set off, I visited my father at the hospital. He couldn't help but reminisce about past summers. He had left his role as a war soldier for my sake, not wanting me to get involved in the cruel violence that plagued the young generation. Lately, there has been an issue with recruiting young people into the war due to a lack of soldiers.

My father encouraged me to explore Minolva, suggesting that I clean up the place where we would all settle. He wanted me to do it alone, as the train station still imposed strict rules on group travel. "Think of it as a summer vacation," he said, "a fresh start for us." And so, with my mind set on new beginnings, I boarded the train to Minolva, a place I had only seen in postcards from my uncle.

After a two-day journey, I arrived in Minolva, where my uncle was waiting for me. As I rode my horse to meet him, excitement filled me. My uncle took me on a tour of Minolva, showing me the vast landscapes, gardens, rivers, and wildflower fields.

Everything was so welcoming and picturesque. Settling into my uncle's three-story house, I found it cozy and unlike anything I had experienced before. I couldn't wait to share this place with my parents.

In the golden haze of a distant memory, the summer sun spilled its warm embrace upon the land. It was a time when days seemed endless, and the world was painted in hues of youthful exuberance. The quaint town, nestled by the shimmering azure shores, held the promise of adventure and a respite from the mundane.

Over the next few weeks, I immersed myself in the beauty of Minolva. I helped my uncle tend the gardens, went on horseback rides, played chess tournaments with local youngsters, explored the library, and attended church with my uncle. The townsfolk were warm and friendly, and I enjoyed getting to know new people.

"Oh, it's you, Nile," one of the nuns asked. "What brings you here?"

"Well, it's nothing," I replied. "I'm just heading for an afternoon walk to go at the church."

"Well, I'd like you to meet someone," she said hurriedly, moving the wheelchair and helping the woman sit on it. "This is Loraine Jane Ayane; she's an art teacher in this small town, and the children in this area love her."