Erika stood behind the countertop, helping her grandmother-in-law, her mother-in-law, and her sisters-in-law prepare dinner along with the kitchen staff.
Her shoulders trembled, her hands twitching as she clumsily whisked the sauce.
Heidi looked over at the young woman who had married her grandson and forced a smile.
"You're doing well; take your time if need be. Nobody is in a hurry to eat tonight…."
Heidi's hand hovered for a moment; old reflexes told her to command, not comfort.
But when she saw the girl's trembling shoulders, her tone softened, and she touched her gently.
The woman reacted with a stiff jolt before turning over and hugging her grandmother-in-law while crying profusely.
Heidi could only gaze at the woman with sympathy in her sky-blue eyes.
The war had been raging for nearly a year now.
It first started with the March to Paris and then continued with the bombing of England.
