Published at 31st of August 2019 2:18 am

Short Stories Collection - Christmas 1944 by Black

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Understood the challenges in translating this. This is one of the most challenging stories which required research. Planning to split them into four parts. Pardon me if it read awkwardly.

First part on the Dresden trio’s interaction, the discussion of Weismann siblings situation, political situation etc.

_______________________________________________________________

The reality of the defeat of the struggling Nazi Germany and the Third Reich to the Dresden was as small as the distant thunder. Even though many Eastern refugees running from the attack by the Soviet Union had occupied the whole street, there was not much of the difference seen in the beautiful city known as “the City of a Hundred Spires", well known as the Florence on the Elbe. Despite the freezing cold, the dimming light due to the restriction of the electrical power, the street instilled with classic beauty of the Baroque continued to bring out its magnificence of the Christmas Eve.

In a corner of an old street area, there stood a church which seemed older than its surrounding.

Although this church was regarded as the annex building of the symbol of the city, “Dresdner Frauenkirche”, the fact could not be verified due to the loss of detailed information. From the architectural point of view, some scholars had suggested that the building existed since the previous era of “ Mater Ecclesiae”.

Basically, to respect to those who came here on this holy night, what they needed was a place to attend the Mass will do. The history of the church did not matter.

No matter who they were their family who gone out and were killed in the war is no longer just rumours. The supplies rationed were inadequate and deteriorating. This included the flimsy paper used for newspaper, most importantly was the allied planes dropping bombs as they whistled overhead, it was difficult not to be made aware of the… impending defeat.

Hence, one could not help but to pray. Full of sincerity.

Hence, one could not help but to sing. Full of pleading.

On this day when one was still alive, people dedicated their wish along with the songs to god.

_______________________________________________________________

There were two men sitting face to face beside a table in a small shed where the singings were heard vaguely.

A researcher wearing a white coat was carving on the wood pieces carefully, his name was Adolf K. Weismann and…

“Yes… Berlin was no longer counting on us for our research. When things came to this stage, they were too much to send us to somewhere else even though it was better than disbanding the team or to terminate the research.”

“The aim of this research project was good but so far it was not yielding any decent result. It can’t be helped. If this was what the Command had decided. Nevertheless, we had done our best in the field.”

Another man who was holding a similar wooden piece carving randomly with a dagger was Kokujouji Daikaku, he was also the lieutenant of the Japanese army.

Kokujouji just returned from his monthly reporting to the Berlin Empire as the representative despatched jointly by the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Empire of Japan. None of the intelligence he brought back was good news. There was no coming back in current situation. Saying things like they would do their best reflected his anxiety and his shame.

(Now the situation would not allow us to continue our research leisurely… although the president had issued a command for us to remain the status quo, the in practical term, they had already abandoned the research.)

The young military officer who uttered these with a serious expression was ignored by Weismann with a smile.

“Of course, even if you don’t say so, we will be good and we will work hard, to do what we have to do.”

“Be good… and work hard… right?”

Kokujouji ran out of energy in carving upon hearing such casual response and glanced around his surroundings.

This was a research facility directly under the (political) commanding party hidden in the underground of the church. Even though the area was more than twice larger than the church above, and there were two floors of huge area made of stone set up, this was not newly built for research, but it was originally meant for the believers to walk without light to the grand hall to pay homage to the holy relic.

The originally mysterious realm was illuminated by the huge glittering light. Any casual visit and mountains of document covering the surroundings had contributed to this sad scene of complete blasphemy. Even though there had been signs of a large number of people working here, there was not a single key staff now. The guards and the researchers on duty were asked to leave in the afternoon.

Weismann explained coolly that he was the one who asked them to leave.

“We’re still waiting for the result of the production of the W deviation transposer. There is nothing to do even if they stay here right? It’s meaningless to keep them here. So, I might as well let everyone go home. It is also my job to let then return home to their families.”

“Even so.”

Kokujouji stared at the wooden piece for a moment. He was only supposed to convey the result of the monthly report, since when had he started carving wood with him?

“I cannot agree now is the time for us do this.”

“This is the time to do this officially, Lieutenant. After all it’s Christmas Eve today.”

“It doesn’t mean that… forget it.”

At the end of the day, he would find all sorts of excuses to get out of this. They had been together for less than a year but he had seen through him and he could not be bothered to argue with him. He started to focus on his carving to take his mind off the pressure he felt in Berlin and he had good intention. He would not say it because this would make the other party looked even conceited than before so he would never said it. In exchange, he uttered a question.

“Do the researchers bring their families here? Now at this moment, even moving around the country is difficult.”

“This was the order from the above. They said it was to reduce the population of Berlin and Hamburg. After all, our shelters in Dresden is unscathed so they said it’s okay.”

“That’s true.”

In the central east of the country, Dresden had not suffered any bombing attack in the five years of war. The facilities of the city were intact. The administration remained complete. This was also the reason why Eastern refugees chose this as a transit point for other cities in Germany.

“Yes… but wrong.”

Kokujouji almost made a sweeping statement set a reminder immediately.

“From what I see from the current situation, this place is spared because it is not involved in military affair, however, without a doubt, this is one of the very few larger cities in the East. To accept this as a reason for safety is too dangerous.”

“Yup, it is as what Lieutenant said.”

Weismann took back his words readily.

“The cannons assigned in the streets had been shifted to the frontline in the east. The forts placed over there are for show. The supplies kept in the underground shelters are rotting. If this continues, we won’t last if there is a large scale of air raids.”

The words he said was serious yet causal were accompanied by his relaxed smile yet Kokujouji could sense his anxiety. He probably understood what he was trying to say. Even if he understood, as an underground researcher, he had no way of resistance.

(He could do it. He had let the researchers return to their home where their families were).

Kokujouji – he was not thinking in his position. As a military officer, he did not like to discuss whether the order given was right. After justifying himself, he changed the subject.

“Speaking of going home.”

He placed the wooden piece on the small table and pick up the Sauerkraut (1) from the small plate with his hand. He was aware it was sudden of him to change the topic and he was being awkward. Putting the Sauerkraut into his mouth, the sourness tasted just right. Not bad.

“Don’t you think you should move into somewhere decent? The confidentiality of this research facility has nothing to do with that shelter.”

“"If two people are accustomed to the freedom of life, I really don’t feel like leaving.”

It was as if his anxiety earlier did not exist after Weismann’s answer, he mimicked the other party by placing the wooden piece on the table, and started to put the vegetables piece by piece into his mouth.

Weismann and his other family member since taking over the research facility here had been staying in the church. Despite the revelation of the holy relic, the Church had given in for them to stay here. Partly because the order from the above was absolute, but most importantly, the two of them were nice people and they had left good impression.

Kokujouji gave a sigh after hearing the story directly from the people of the Church.

“Can’t be bother to spend time in the place you stay in and this is what you call “freedom of life”?”

“This is because our traditional Weismann family have a female of marriageable age or rather a queen who disregards others. To force a life without freedom on her, I won’t have the gut to do that.”

A corner in the church despite small had become a dining area.

Kokujouji wondered how the Church learnt about this? He thought as he reached for more Sauerkraut.

“If so, shouldn’t you go and look for a decent home? After all, you are still a man with a mission. Shouldn’t you be receiving the same treatment by letting the military ferry you around?

“Yes, as Japanese Lieutenant, you probably won’t understand. The Command hated people with intellect and woman. Put both of us together, we can’t be well off no matter where we go. Besides, we can’t expect anything from an army which is losing.”

Weismann ate another piece of Sauerkraut talking halfway.

Kokujouji finished his words for him.

“It is like jabbing at their sensitive area, right?”

“Speaking of military facilities, I suddenly remembered something.”

There was no logic to the change of subject; Weismann ate another piece of Sauerkraut.

“At Tempelhof, a ship with an interesting design designed by myself when I was in the weapons bureau is completed. I will grant you permission to take a look the next time you go to Berlin.”

“A ship… at Tempelhof?”

Kokujouji asked as he picked up a bit from the plate. There was not much left. Tempelhof is located in the southern suburbs of Berlin as the airport of the Third Reich for export.

“An air fort to stop the balloon. At first I used this as a reason to develop the airship. This was supposed to be assigned to the third aviation fleet. However, as our power over the air space is at a precarious situation, it have never took off to the air before.”

Weismann continued to explain nonstop impolitely.

“I insisted on developing this by coming up with stories, in the end it became a display in the shelter after completion. I feel like an idiot. The ship is named Himmelreich…”

At that very moment.

The only door of the research facility was shove open.

“Addy, are you here?”

The lady, a genius deputy director of the facility (She is not deputy director because she was in a bad book with the director but rather it was due to the Command’s policy of having male to dominate), wearing the military coat stepped in. She was Klaudia Weismann, elder sister and the only family of of Adolf.

“It’s almost time. Can you go to Mr. Arthur’s shop to pick up some fruits and sweets pastries back and go to Lieutenant’s place to invite him if he wants to join us for dinner… ah?

The cheerful words from Klaudia stopped when she just realised the Lieutanent was here in person.

Kokujouji stood there in shock. She was more valiant than usual. He came back to his senses in a few second, shoved his chair, stood up and bowed.

“I’m sorry for bothering you this late, Miss Professor.”

“… Yes, that… I’m the one…”

Klaudia used her tone as a lady to reply.

Weismann grinned while he watched both of them.

“He came by here since he returned from Berlin and I invited him to stay. With that, I don’t have to look for him at his place right? And, take a look.”

Weismann picked up the two wooden pieces and showed them to Klaudia.

“My Caspar and Lieutenant’s Melchior are completed, with that my preparation for the stage show is complete. Yes, I’m so productive.”

The so-called stage show had the concept of the trough, to create Christmas decoration which present the birth of Jesus on the Christmas Eve in Britain (similar to the dolls on the Doll’s Day in Japan).

A variety of the wooden statues including the holy family in stable, shepherds, and dogs and cattle, as well as horses and camels, angels and baby Jesus.

Weismann and Kokujouji were working on the last two. It was supposed to be displayed on Epiphany next year. Two of the Biblical Magi, as though they were made to reflect the both of them. One of them was carefully carved and the other one was barely distinguished as a human. As for the rest, each has its own merits.

“We will get busier if we do it at the end of the year so might as well complete them in one shot. The rest of the statues were carved by other researchers, we meant to give sister a surprise.”

Weismann seemed to be proud of his own little plan and was requesting for praises half jokingly half like a baby with a smile.

“How?”

“You are always full of energy for all these things.”

As a sister, Klaudia grumbled while showing a smile no one else could for a family for her brother.

“But, thank you. These look lively. I’m happy.”

Weismann nodded at his sister’s face half blooming with happiness.

“Hm…”

“Lieutenant as well, thank you.”

Kokujouji who had been standing there like a stone bowed again upon hearing her words.

“Don’t mention it. I was only accepting the invitation from Miss Professor.”

“Is there any difference between his words and mine?”

Weismann stood up pouting with no sense of shame while sweeping away the sawdust off himself.

“So, I shall obey my sister’s instruction and drop by Mr. Arthur’s.”

And he bowed using a voice as though he was in a rehearsal.

“So, are you willing to have dinner with both of us, your Excellency, Lieutenant Kokujouji Daikaku?”

Kokujouji faced Klaudia directly and bowed for the third time.

“I’ll gladly oblige. Thank you.”

The three of them sat around the small table while placing the just completed decoration at the other side.

Weismann dimmed the light in the room and put the candle on the stage for the wooden statues. Even for a foreigner like Kokujouji could feel the sincerity came from the funny Christmas Eve banquet.

This kind of ambience was…

“Alright, please don’t hold back and enjoy.”

Blown away by Klaudia’s clear voice abruptly.

The pure white table were set up with exceptional taste considering they were in the time where there were lack of supplies. They could only have a few bites of sausages, potatoes, and smoked salmon slices which were sliced really finely as well as small cubes of cheese. In order to make up to the shortfall, cookies of different shapes were baked, and the oval sweet bread covered the centre of the table. If three sets of utensils were added, they would make up the vulgar, messy and vibrant work area on the small little table.

“In fact, I had originally prepared Sauerkraut but I don’t know since when this fellow took them out, so we are missing the finishing touch.”

Klaudia talked about it disappointedly while staring at her brother’s direction.

Weismann who was being glared at started to find himself some excuses like a kid.

“Anyone could have taken the food on the plate left casually on the table thinking that they could be eaten freely.”

“I meant to give some to the church so I left the leftover there.”

“No matter what, this is still tempting.”

“Finding excuses to cover up your fault is a bad habit of yours, Addy.”

Watching the conversation between the siblings, Kokujouji felt deeply that

(Wherever they were, the words exchanged between the siblings are the same.)

Kokujouji who could feel that so strongly despite not having a sister lowered his head

“Regardless of the cause, I’m very sorry for ruining your preparation.”

“Lieutenant was only caught up in the prank of this kid, please don’t worry about it.”

Ignoring her brother’s stammering, Klaudia rejected Kokujouji’s apologies and asked Kokujouji once again.

“Did I cause you any inconvenience for inviting you along?”

“No. As I’m not a Christian so my schedule today is only to go back and sleep.”

Kokujouji felt pathetic for putting it this way but this was a fact and it could not be helped.

Ever since he came here 9 months ago in March 1944 on a submarine to support the research on this facility at the same time corresponding to his country’s duties, he almost did not have his own private time. On top of that he was not an official technician. He was not dispatched here as somebody special because he was an expert in a certain area or exceptional officer and he was very low in ranking. Of course, he had no assistant or follower with him. He had to do everything by himself. This hardworking personality of his.

“And the liaison between the facility is one of his missions.”

He felt worried after adding the last line as

(It was as though he was unwilling for the company because he was on a mission.)

Fortunately, Klaudia did not interpret his words in a bad way.

“To me, this is a thoughtful mission.”

Weismann interrupted along with his smiling sister.

“To be able to invite a guest to a banquet with only two of us, and this guest of ours even found a breakthrough to our worry.”

“……”

Attracted by the topic brought up by Weismann, whether it was Kokujouji or Klaudia, all of them turned their eyes to the deepest part of the facility. There was no light over there but yet its existence shrouded in darkess had the power to bring the three of them into something known as the fate.

That was a gigantic slab of rock with carving resembling a concentric maze. It was a special existence could not be named at random.

“The Slate.”

This was what they called it.

_______________________________________________________________

According to an unreliable legend, this “Slate” was obtained as a holy relic from Bohemia when the church just started. And it was treated like a treasure…. To be slightly more specific, the location it was hidden was in the deepest area of the wall in the underground of the church. Since then, it had been there in the dark for a long time until three years ago, in the year 1941, there was a rumour came from a believer who came here to pray. He was said to have witnessed a miracle, and there was an organization which was sharp enough to notice this rumour.

Hoping to prove the superiority of the Aryan through Archeology, they dug and took the custody of the Slate. However, the Slate was too gigantic to be taken even so they have jurisdiction over it, and kept it here for a few years. To them, this “Slate” was just one of the item they obtained from their activities over the world. Calling it an attached material was not too farfetched.

But some changes happened. That happened in the middle of 1943. A personnel keeping watch of the slate had set off the same miracle witnessed by the believer that time.

This miracle was coined as “The St. John’s Procession”.

And the miracle was performed by flying bugs they did not know where it came from.

There were only a few small lights at the excavation site. Before the Slate away from the light, there were flying bugs with flashing red light forming a line as they moved slowly, after that they were burnt out eventually. The reports along with the remains of the bugs were sent to the above, and the research on the Slate began officially. To start a research just basing on a report and a few remains was only because they wanted to show the Commander of Schutzstaffe a “miracle” which could turn the table on their disadvantageous situation.

A country with the leader at heart would be astonishingly efficient once they had made their decision. The underground of Church was revamped into a research facility around two months since the research project was decided. They gathered large number of outstanding researchers.

At last the director and the deputy director of the research project were decided. They were renowned as the geniuses in the area of Science. They were none other than Adolf and Klaudia, the Weismann siblings.

Not so much on the selection, but rather the two of them had previously achieved remarkable results in the various areas of military, construction, production and academic. These talents if assigned to a field which might not necessarily have any impact in the field of paranormal phenomena on the war were really waste of talent. Voices of the opposition were heard from people of the various fields (Because they want to have these two geniuses). However, one of them could resist against those with power. At last, the final opinion of the Schutzstaffe commander was adopted.

But to the party involved, such commotion is meaningless and was generally fallen on deaf ears. They treated their work as per normal. With their curiosity and honesty on top of their smart brains, they began their challenge in tackling this questionable topic.

Despite their outstanding intellect, the difficulty of solving this was tremendously high. After all, the only miracle confirmed was the burning of a few bugs. Just what had happened, what they had to go to bring about the miracle, why this phenomenon would occur to what set off this kind of phenomenon, everything were shrouded in mystery. To gather the tools they wanted to obtain and to repair the debris which was unearthed were their very first job.

Huge progress was achieved after the arrival of a specialised personnel dispatched by the allies of the Third Reich, the Japanese Empire.

The Lieutenant of the Japanese Army, Kokujouji Daikaku.

Weismann’s mouth was stuffed with smoked salmon slices as he talked.

“What the radio said about “the ties of the allies” was actually quite correct. Without Lieutenant, the formation of the W deviation sounded like a fluke not to even mention activating the experiment.

“What I did was to sense that the Slate was sealed by a strong force, and to remove the seal by a little. The removal of the seal was just as the report had stated, it was not very difficult.

The modest Kokujouji replied indifferently before taking a bite off the sausages.

Yes, the reason he was dispatched here for his specialised skills referred to something called magic to the European. Since the Meiji Restoration, this was a secret skill unified by the Bureaucracy controlled by the Imperial Japan.

Klaudia said after cutting a piece of fruity bread.

“Even if you said that it was a small issue. To us, you gave us another point of view we had never even thought of, bringing us a huge breakthrough. Using five main factors as the basic theory… that was known as “The Five Elements”?

Kokujouji as expected, ignored the praise for him and nodded his head.

“The seal casted on the “Slate” was one of the curses used to lock away the earth by borrowing the seasonal cycle of wood, fire, gold, water, so all we need to do is to upset the cycle and we will be able to break it.”

Weismann gave a nervous smile listening to Kokujouji’s explanation which was mixed with the technical terms.

“Even for genius siblings like us, we don’t have the motivation to deal with Eastern magic. I don’t understand even half of Lieutenant’s explanation. I don’t really like to go into our research without knowing enough.”

“I’m not a linguist so I’m unable to use German to explain Japanese words very well.

“Japanese? I may be a little interested. If only I can understand more in details on the theory of that area and get to know the “Slate” better, not just being stuck in the stage as a user…”

Watching Weismann who was eating his cheese at ease, Kokujouji could not help but to sense the danger only researchers could be exposed to. Especially since there was no outsider in this banquet, it was just a personal one, Kokujouji decided to take this opportunity to voice out his fear since the beginning.

“Miss Professor, I’ll appreciate your attention as well. This is just my hunch, hence I didn’t write it in the report.”

Upon hearing sudden serious tone, the siblings stopped the movement of their hands and mouths in unison.

“That “Slate” was buried by someone, that certain someone, other it was sealed even before that but the “Yang” energy… to use your own language, the operating mechanism was forcefully stopped. However, even so, it is still possessed the power to burn lives through greenish blue flame.”

They were obviously awed by the resolute expression.

“Personally I feel, if we break the seal completely, the miracle it set off is not as simple as burning somebody to death. But since this is my mission, I will do my best…”

“To do what you don’t want to do?”

Hearing the worried tone in Klaudia’s voice, Kokujouji as someone who spoke about an unimaginable yet serious topic took back his words hurriedly.

“It’s not that. If I can put the skills taught by my family to use, that would be the best thing could have happened as someone who is in training like me. Not to even mention, to be able to use this ability for my country.”

This was not said because of his words, this was an unquestionable fact. Compared to those of his generation who stayed back in their country studying the so-call “Curse to make enemy country surrender”, this was more useful… no, he felt he was really lucky. Because of that, all the more he had to say these to protect this place.

“I just hope both of you will take cautious measures during the experiment.”

Even so…

“It’s okay, Lieutenant.”

Weismann said with an extremely clear voice which was completely different from his sister’s.

“If the W Deviation Modulator could operate properly, the strength of the seal mentioned by Lieutenant can be controlled. This experiment will be quite safe. And also, if the distorted word “King” carved in Latin on the stone and my prejudiced assumption of the convergence theory matches, that thing must be…”

Weismann looked at the stone as though he was seeing a dream.

“It will become links to lives… the bonds.”

Dreams which came with danger.

Kokujouji shown a reluctant expression as he felt he wanted to pull him out from it.

“It’s precisely this mysterious power is linked to human body, I hope you will be careful.”

What he saw was not an ambiguous dreams, the danger of the “Slate” power was real.

To think Weismann causally wanted to uncover the mystery because of his fantasy.

“It’s precisely it is the power linked to human body, I wanted to know.”

Weismann spread his arms, as though he was going to take off to the air dangerously.

“The power of that “Slate”, is far beyond the war, far beyond the weapons. It will become a greater existence. Different from Lieutenant, it’s my gut feeling as a researcher.

“But.”

No matter what Weismann was thinking, at the current situation, there is only one way this power could be used, only one use could be sought from the research, one he could never oppose… Kokujouji swallowed his words filled with negativity.

Weismann probably already knew those things he was going to say.

But even if he knew, he still wanted to talk about his dream.

(It was precisely they were in such an environment, he just could not stop himself from sharing his dream… It could not be helped, when there were such things known as war, this or that person killing one another, they were all being forced by circumstances, they were forced to pick up their weapon and fight, this was war.)

Klaudia placed the bread she just cut on the small plate looking at Kokujouji as he sighed.

“Lieutenant, it’s probably strange to hear such a big kid talking about this, but please get along with him. Because this kid even if he can be read like a book, he doesn’t like anyone to see his innermost thought… this is really rare, to even hear Addy share his thought to anyone else other than myself.”

After that, she pretended to widen her eyes and gave a mischievous laugh.

“Ah… this could be part of your mission to socialise?”

“No, I’ll do my best.”

Kokujouji replied with a serious face. He did not stand up and bow this time.

“Why are you agreeing to such a strange request, Lieutenant?”

Weisnmann pouted dejectedly.

“Speaking of that, Sister is also someone you can socialize with. She said it as well, I wish I can talk to Lieutenant more…. Ouch, OUCH!!”

With a sudden movement, the elder sister pinched her younger brother on his back.

“I never said that in such a tender tone.”

“But I’m not wrong for saying that, Ouch ouch, I’m going to break! Save me, Lieutenant!”

Klaudia released her hands abruptly. Her eyes hesitated from meeting the gaze of the Lieutenant’s.

“Er… This is… “

“Yes, it’s my honour.”

The two of them turned away from each other at the same time.

Weisnmann who was rubbing his back had learnt his lesson; he would not dare to tease his sister again.

The three of them remained in silence not knowing what to say. However, the atmosphere did not become dull. To be exact, they had said what they needed to say, and this actually felt good.

After that, again voices were heard from the surface.

It was the singing of hymns at Mass organised by the Church. Even though the tones were not considered to be beautiful and elegant, these were filled with most sincere, mournful prayers of those who were gathered here. Thus, these songs felt close to heart.

In order not to affect the atmosphere, Klaudia opened the cap of the thermo flask quietly, pouring hot beverages to their cups. This was not the usual fake coffee from the burnt barley they had in the research facility on normal days.

This is the so-called boiled grape wine. A beverage specially produced for the winter, by adding sweets and favours to the boiling wine. The recipe varied from families. Hence, they would taste different.

Kokujouji would often order this from shops in these freezing days. He nodded gently and took the cup.

The three of them did not toast, they felt a little awkward. Smiling at one another, they started to drink.

(Even so, I’ll work hard with them)

Surrounded by the singings, engulfed by the heat, being tied by the smiles, Kokujouji swore to himself.

(There was no other mission better than what I was given).

In the face if the defeat, in the dimly lit underground, he made a promise before the intimidating “Slate”.

(Let challenge the “Slate” together… at least for the sake of unraveling the long awaited mystery)

Kokujouji emptied the cup in one gulp, as a proof of his resolution.

“Um…”

And he froze right there.

Weismann asked with a laugh.

“What a scary face you have, Lieutenant.”

“This is our recipe passed down from my family, I’m not sure if it suit your taste.”

In order to preserve a panicking Klaudia’s honour, Kokujouji tried his best to stay composed.

“D-Does this suit your taste?”

“Not bad.”

“Is this what was known as the tactful speech used in Japan?”

The siblings started to laugh as they could not take it anymore

Kokujouji tried to ignore the storm which was taking place in his body and his corner of his mouth tilted upwards.

It was Christmas Eve, and he was indulging himself in the little happiness every family would have. The three of them laughed.

Naively, beautifully, indifferently.

Whether it was the country, the research facility, the street.

Whether it was the people who were fighting in the war, people who were encouraging one another through singing hymn, people who were laughing.

Whether it was their dream.

The place they stood except miracle along with their respective thoughts and feelings would disappear in the near future, but for now, they would laugh from their hearts for the happiness today.

THE END

Share