Between our hands

Chapter 7: The Twilight Legacy.

The long-awaited day of decision had finally arrived. The Georges family gathered in the living room of the farm, which had become over the days the sanctuary for their reflections and debates. The room, usually welcoming with its walls adorned with family memories and its old armchairs worn by time, seemed today imbued with a particular gravity. The daylight, filtered through the linen curtains, cast delicate shadows on the walls, and the crackling of the fire in the fireplace was almost the only sound piercing the heavy silence.

Maëlle, sitting next to Victor, scrutinized the faces of her loved ones with palpable anxiety. The weight of the decision they had to make had become almost tangible, like a heavy lead blanket resting on their shoulders. Each member of the Georges family had expressed their doubts, hopes, and fears over the past few days, but today they faced the ultimate choice.

Victor, whose calm presence contrasted with Maëlle’s inner turmoil, tried to maintain a composed demeanor. His years of experience in the army had taught him how to handle pressure, but he knew this situation was different. He had seen thousands of faces during his missions, but none were as important as those of his family. Watching Maëlle, he sensed the tension within her and the burden of responsibility she felt. Victor had often tried to reassure her, promising that they would face this ordeal together. Yet, he knew that the decision they were about to make would have repercussions not only on their lives but also on the lives of millions of people thousands of miles away.

The discussion had started early in the morning. Sophie, Maëlle’s aunt, had taken the initiative to structure the meeting. A nurse by profession, she had a particular way of managing crises, emphasizing the facts and seeking to maintain calm. She suggested starting with a summary of the arguments for and against accepting the inheritance. Each person took turns speaking, sharing their thoughts.

Nohé, Sophie’s son, had attempted to lighten the atmosphere with a few jokes, but his awkward humor was quickly overshadowed by the seriousness of the debates. His efforts to ease the tension were sometimes met with forced smiles and other times with embarrassed silence. He knew the moment was serious, but he was trying to alleviate the pressure with his quirky remarks. His role as the court jester, often appreciated during lighter family gatherings, seemed almost out of place in this crisis context.

The discussions intensified as each family member presented their arguments. Maëlle’s concerns were particularly vivid. She had grown up in the simplicity of farm life, far from the splendor and responsibilities of the world. The idea of leaving this familiar universe to plunge into the affairs of a crisis-ridden kingdom felt almost insurmountable. She wondered if she had the necessary skills to face such a task, and the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming.

In response, Victor tried to temper her worries. “We’ve always found solutions, even in the toughest moments,” he said with conviction. His military experience had taught him to face uncertainty and danger, but he knew the stakes of this decision were of a different nature. He had witnessed crisis situations and conflicts, but he had never faced a responsibility as colossal as potentially transforming the lives of millions of people.

Sophie, acting as a mediator, posed pertinent questions, seeking to clarify viewpoints and encourage constructive discussions. She had a great capacity for listening, using her skills to help her family explore every facet of the situation. “We need to consider not only the immediate consequences of our decision but also its long-term impacts,” she often emphasized. She knew that accepting the inheritance could involve significant personal sacrifices, but she also believed they had the potential to make a real difference.

Marie, Maëlle’s mother, generally remained in the background, observing the exchanges with silent concern. She had always supported her children with unconditional love, and this situation was no exception. Her affectionate gestures, such as preparing hearty meals and ensuring everyone was comfortable, were her way of showing support. She knew her children were capable of making important decisions, but she felt a deep unease about the magnitude of the responsibility being offered to them.