Welcome Ceremony

At 8.40am, David had just arrived at the bakery. Nivea had expected David to be absent today. But it turned out that the worker was late because he had stopped his steps for a few minutes, to witness something interesting in front of the government office building.

"Miss... Miss Nivea!!!", David hurriedly pushed open the door of the bakery, stepping quickly inside and not even paying attention to Seri who was at the ordering counter.

Nivea, who was in the kitchen at the time, was surprised to see David coming in such a hurry.

"Miss... Miss...!"

"Hey David, what's wrong with you?", she said as she stopped her hands from stirring the bread dough.

"What's wrong David? Speak up!", she continued curiously.

"You don't know, miss?"

"No!"

"There is a welcoming ceremony in the courtyard of the government building."

"Really? Who are they welcoming?", asked Nivea who really hadn't thought about the return of the defense forces.

"Of course it's the young men from the war!"

"What did you say? Are you... are you kidding David?", Nivea leaned closer in disbelief. While Clara had covered her mouth with both hands, she was also surprised to hear that from David.

"No lady! Really!"

Nivea, who was still wearing her kitchen apron, ran as fast as she could. Coming out of the shop, she hurriedly called Mr. Willy to escort her to the government building.

Seri and the others were stunned by her ladyship's attitude. Seri went to the kitchen and asked David.

"What's wrong with the lady?"

"The young men are back, Seri!", David replied.

"What did you say?"

"David saw the welcoming ceremony in the courtyard of the government building.", Clara answered.

"Ah, it's only fitting that Miss Nivea left like that.", Seri shook her head and went back to guarding the order desk.

Meanwhile, what was happening in the courtyard of the government building.

Of course His Majesty was giving his speech at the sudden ceremony, which was the welcoming ceremony of the defense force youths. His Majesty stood in the center, while behind him was a line of workers who worked daily in the government building itself.

"I am very happy to welcome you today. You have returned completely well. After doing a great job, defending the security of this country in the border region. I and everyone in this country extend our deepest gratitude for your hard work and sacrifices over the past four years. In fact, the chief soldier in the border region has been informing me of your return since one week ago. But I chose to keep my mouth shut, so that your return could be a surprise for your families back home."

His Majesty closed his speech with a satisfied and happy smile. Likewise, all members of the defense forces who were currently lined up neatly in the middle of the courtyard, immediately echoed a standing ovation.

Her heart racing, Nivea was restless. She desperately wanted to see her lover. It didn't take her long to realize that she had to take off the kitchen apron she had been wearing.

By the time she arrived in front of the government building, the welcoming ceremony had just finished. What appeared in the courtyard was an emotional scene, the reunion of the young men with one of their families who worked in the government building. Who, of course, had been at the ceremony from the start.

Those shaded eyes finally caught sight of someone she knew well. From afar, Nivea looked at the figure of Matias who was tightly embracing count Antonio. Even duke Eduardo was standing beside them, waiting to embrace Matias as well.

A single happy tear escaped at the corner of Nivea's eye. Her beloved had returned.

***

Martha is finishing three orders for flower arrangements, which she will deliver the day after tomorrow. As such, she was concentrating on the flowers in her hands. And the arrival of Mr. Luigi surprised her.

"You startled me, Mr. Luigi! You opened the door without making a sound."

"I'm sorry miss," he bowed slightly. "I have something to say."

"What is it?"

"People are out there talking about the welcoming ceremony for the defense forces."

Martha frowned, "What do you mean, sir?"

"This morning there was a welcoming ceremony for the defense forces in the courtyard of the government building. Lord Matias has returned, miss."

"What... What did you say? That means... Daniel is back too.", Martha immediately got up from her chair and left her work behind.

"Help me close the shop! We're going home right now.", she continued as she moved to close the curtains and grabbed her handbag.

On the way Martha was torn, wondering who she should see first. Her brother or... her boyfriend. But after some deliberation, Martha finally made the decision to meet Daniel first.

"Mr. Luigi, please turn in front. Take me to duchess Valerie's house. I want to see Daniel first.", she ordered from the small window that separated her and the coachman.

"Ah, yes ma'am!"

Martha would not rest until she could see Daniel fully. Matias, on the other hand, she could meet at home anytime. That's why she decided to give Daniel precedence over Matias.

They had arrived in the courtyard of the family home. With a pounding in her chest, Martha began to plant her feet on the grass. She announced her arrival to the man at the door.

Before the man could tell his master, Daniel walked up from behind and startled Martha.

"Daniel!!!", the girl ran in to Daniel who had opened both hands. Preparing to welcome Martha's body. Martha sank into the embrace.

"I missed you so much, Martha!"

"Hmm! Me too, Daniel", she said hoarsely with happy tears.

"Shh... Don't cry, Martha!", as he lowered his head and wiped away her tears.

"I'm so happy, Daniel. Please don't leave again."

Daniel nodded definitely, "Of course Martha!"

Martha leaned back, her hand touched Daniel's arm, "Are you hurt Daniel?"

Daniel nodded.

"What? Where is the wound?"

"That, the one you're holding. My left arm."

Martha immediately removed her hand from that arm, "Really?"

Daniel's other hand lifted slightly the short-sleeved T-shirt he was wearing at the time. The man showed Martha the wound.

"Does it still hurt, Daniel? Or... painful? How does it feel?"

"It's almost dry, Martha. Yesterday a soldier treated it with a concoction of leaves. And you know what? I screamed when he put those wet leaves on my wound."

"Ah... it must have been very painful."

"Of course! I could feel the essence of the leaves seeping quickly into this wound. Then the soldier told me to sleep. After waking up, my arm felt lighter to move. The soldier was right, the leaves worked perfectly."

"Eh? Is my brother injured too?"

"Of course! Matias was also injured. But now, he's fine. He got a wound on his back. It happened during the second year of the war. They also treated it with leaves."

"Wow... Those leaves are great, Daniel! You should have picked some to bring home!"

Daniel rounded his eyes, then shook his head in surprise.

"Brother and sister are the same!", he thought unspoken.