Chapter 246: Saviours, Part 4, Six Years Ago

The church is only small, serving a farming community spread over many miles. It sits in a grassy acre, dotted with wildflowers and fragrant with spring blossoms. And today, with the gathered congregation, it is standing-room only.

Flowers, picked from the meadows and tied with bright ribbons, decorate the end of each pew. Everyone is wearing ‘Sunday Best’ and just outside the door stands a young woman, tall, slender, copper-haired under the brilliant blue skies, and lovely as the May morning of her marriage.

Mr Kalkowski, wearing formal suit and a stiff collar that must surely be cutting into his neck, stands close by. And inside she knows is her husband-to-be, Chad.

Chad, who was her first friend here.

Chad, tall, broad-shouldered and handsome, blue-eyed and golden-haired as the sunshine.

Chad, who defended her, then taught her to defend herself.

Chad, who asked her to marry him.

Chad, who waits inside for her.