Fresh from school, she entered the work force, exhilarated and ready to face the world, head on.
Fast forward a few years.
“She’s wearing the same colour scheme again,” they whispered.
“Let’s play a trick on her,” they laughed. The joke was always on her. She laughed along, careful not to show how their antics and stories affected her.
I wish I could do something else, she thought. I don’t belong here.
Jobs were scarce. She stayed.
___________________

“Would you go on a date with me?” he asked.
“Yes,” she laughed.
She said, “I’m going to further my studies.” She handed in her resignation.
They walked down the aisle. “I do,” he said.
“I do,” she said.
Leaving their loved ones behind, they embarked on their happily ever after in a foreign country.
___________________

It was winter in Europe. They loved each new scene and experience, but knew they were outsiders.
Their lives in the new country felt somewhat magical. “I never thought I would leave our home town!” she smiled, mesmerized by the architecture.
They laughed. They travelled. They loved their lives. They missed home.
___________________

Back home wasn’t the same. Children grew up, adults aged, places changed.
“We no longer fit in here,” she said. “People moved on.”
He said, “Let’s start somewhere new.”
They took off on another adventure.
___________________

Settled in, and once again ready to face the world, they started a family. Blessed, they truly were. They loved their home. They loved their kids and their lives.
“We don’t really fit in here, do we?” he noted.
She smiled, “No, we did not grow up here. Those who did, already have friends. They don’t need to get to know us.”
“I won’t go back.”
“Me neither.”
They were comfortable. They were happy. They missed their friends.
__________________

Routine was harsh. It kept them sane. She waited for him. The engine’s roar announced that he was home. She smiled. It was when he walked in the door that it dawned on her, ‘”With you, I am exactly where I belong. I am home.”

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Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

You managed to cram a lot into the word count, Marianna, succinctly skimming over the highlights of your protagonist’s life. I love that she has come to acceptance by the end, finding that it’s being together with the person who shares the ups and downs that gives her that sense of belonging. Nicely done.

Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
1 year ago

There is such a lovely message in your story Marianna; if we are with the right person, then it really doesn’t matter where we are, for us to belong. And I really love how your story flows, it’s almost like reading poetry. Very well done.

Margarida Brei
Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
1 year ago

Marianna, I liked your message that belonging is intertwined with love and home.

Emily O'Leary
Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
1 year ago

This is such an accurate portrayal of belonging Marianna – it truly doesn’t matter where you are as long as you’re with the person you’re meant to be with! Lovely!

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

Your story is an exact description of love, home, and belonging, Marianna. And the message was beautiful and delivered a good moral lesson to everyone. Well done.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Marianna Pieterse
1 year ago

You’re most welcome, Marianna.

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