Kate inherited an old wreck of a car from her grandmother…

Katie didn’t envy her. She’d learned happiness wasn’t in wealth or status, but in purpose, in helping others, in feeling whole within herself. The past no longer haunted her.

It was a chapter of her story, one that had forged her into the woman she was, strong, independent, unafraid. Without Maria, the Volga, the diary, and the trials she’d faced, she wouldn’t have found this strength. She regretted nothing.

In her free time, Katie dove deeper into her family’s history. She contacted archives, pored over documents, and spoke with elderly villagers from Maria’s hometown. She learned Maria had been a vibrant young woman, a poet and scholar with dreams of teaching, dreams the war had stolen.

As a nurse, she’d braved battlefields to save soldiers. As a partisan, she’d risked everything to fight for freedom. After the war, she’d rebuilt her village, teaching children and nurturing a community with her quiet strength.

One day, Lena called, asking to visit. Katie welcomed the chance to reconnect, hoping to bridge the gap between them. When Lena arrived, she was different, less guarded, more vulnerable.

Over tea, she opened up about her loneliness, her dissatisfaction, despite her wealth. I thought the cottage would make me happy, she admitted, her voice breaking. But I feel so empty.

Katie listened, her heart softening. I’ve been there, Lena, but I’ve learned happiness comes from within, from doing what matters, from love and connection. Lena’s eyes glistened with tears.

You’re right, I’ve been chasing the wrong things. The sisters spent days together, wandering the city, visiting museums, laughing over childhood memories. They grew closer, rediscovering the bond they’d lost…