Between our hands

Chapter 8: The Weight of the New World.

The days following the last meeting were marked by a frenzy of preparations and reflections within the Georges family. Their farm, usually a haven of tranquility, now vibrated with intense activity. The house, with its thick walls and timeworn stones, seemed to absorb the collective stress of its occupants. The hallways echoed with hurried footsteps and voices discussing the details of the impending transition.

The main living room, once a place of conviviality, was now cluttered with piles of documents, upcoming plans, and maps filled with notes and diagrams. The furniture, typically well-organized, was strewn with scattered papers, while the windows, shut to contain the warmth inside, offered a dim light that cast long, dancing shadows on the stone walls. Each day, the family gathered around the large wooden table, where discussions were imbued with a palpable tension.

When the day of the new meeting arrived, the atmosphere was charged with intense anxiety. The sun had waned, and the last golden rays of autumn filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft light that was insufficient to dissipate the weight of the moment. The members of the Georges family gathered in the main room, their faces marked by accumulated fatigue and the tension of the preceding days.

When the call was initiated, the faces of the government representatives appeared on the screen, displaying grave and concentrated expressions. The image quality allowed every detail to be seen: the creases of their suits, their serious gazes, and the glimmer of lights in the austere offices where they were situated. The conversation, though virtual, was laden with a heavy formality, and each word seemed to carry significant symbolic weight.

Victor, always true to his role as the family spokesperson, straightened with a posture imbued with determination. His voice, shaped by weeks of preparation and stress, bore the weight of the responsibility he shared with his loved ones. "We understand the importance of our presence in your country for the stability and legitimacy of your reign. However, we have non-negotiable conditions... We have grown up surrounded by our animals, and it is unthinkable for us to abandon them. If we are to settle in your country, we demand to bring all our animals with us: dogs, horses, goats, cows, and everything that constitutes our life here."

The government representatives, clearly taken aback by this specific request, exchanged perplexed glances. The silence that followed was heavy and charged with palpable tension. Voices in the background, inaudible to the Georges family, murmured in a foreign language. The family members, scrutinizing the expressions of the representatives, felt the weight of the moment. Seconds seemed to stretch, each minute adding to the burden of uncertainty.

The members of the Georges family, though tense, remained attentive, observing the gestures of the representatives who grappled with this unusual request. The faces of the representatives were marked by surprise and concentration, their eyes occasionally darting towards the documents in front of them as if seeking an answer within the papers. Maëlle, sitting near Victor, felt the growing anxiety morph into a wave of impatience. She clenched her hands, her thoughts wandering between memories of their peaceful life on the farm and the prospect of an uncertain future.

After what felt like an eternity, one of the representatives finally spoke. His tone, though marked by contained surprise, was imbued with respect. "We understand the importance of your animals to you and are willing to meet this request. We will provide a farm, equipped according to your needs, so you can continue living as you have in France."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the Georges family. The assurances given by the representatives were encouraging, but they required specific details to ensure their implementation. Victoria, determined to safeguard her family's interests, spoke with calm resolution. "It is crucial that we ensure not only the transport of our animals but also their well-being throughout the process. We request that experts be involved to guarantee everything meets our expectations."

The government representatives nodded, showing their willingness to respond to the family's demands. They promised to send teams to oversee the construction of the farm and the installation of necessary infrastructure. Furthermore, they suggested that the family send one or more members ahead to inspect the place and ensure everything would be ready upon their arrival.

The relief was palpable, but the Georges family knew that the path remained fraught with challenges. The following weeks were dedicated to meticulous preparations for the move. Victor and Maëlle set off to inspect the new farm, while the other family members attended to the remaining logistical aspects. The preparations were both complex and demanding, requiring constant attention to every detail. The days were filled with meetings with animal transport experts, thorough checks of living conditions at the new farm, and extensive consultations with local authorities to ensure everything would be in place for their arrival.

Frequent visits from animal transport experts were a crucial part of the preparations. Each animal had to be carefully prepared for the long and arduous journey. Veterinarians, working closely with transport specialists, examined each animal to ensure it was healthy and ready for the move. Transport conditions were meticulously planned to minimize stress for the animals, with specially designed equipment to ensure their comfort during the journey. Logistics experts organized every aspect of the move, from the transport of the animals to the equipment needed for their well-being.

Maëlle found solace in her regular exchanges with her brothers, sister, and cousins. Their friendship, already strong, deepened over the days as they shared their concerns and hopes for the future. Their conversations, imbued with sincerity, allowed them to navigate through the emotional and logistical challenges with better mutual understanding. Victor, with his realistic perspective and unwavering support, provided Maëlle with valuable strength to face the upcoming challenges. Their close collaboration and mutual understanding gave them the courage needed to confront the obstacles and uncertainties ahead.

The last days at the farm were filled with nostalgia. Every room, every object, every corner of the house seemed laden with precious memories. Farewells to friends and neighbors were moments of melancholy but also of accomplishment. The neighbors, touched by the family's determination and bravery, offered heartfelt farewells. The departure speeches were filled with wishes for success and hope for their new life. These moments of tenderness and gratitude provided the Georges family with comfort in their transition into the unknown.

As the move took shape, the Georges family felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The departure to the Arab country would mark the beginning of a new era, full of challenges and promises. Each family member was aware that this adventure would be a test of emotional and physical strength, but they were united in their goal of breathing new life into their mission. The weight of their decision was immense, but they accepted it with the certainty that their commitment and solidarity would guide them toward a future where they could make a significant difference.

The journey to the Arab country represented not just a change of place but also a profound transformation in their lives. The prospect of this new beginning, although fraught with challenges, also offered the hope of a better future for themselves and for those they would serve. United in their determination, they prepared to face the challenges of the future with courage and hope. The path ahead was strewn with uncertainties, but their unwavering determination and family spirit would support them in this transition to an unknown world.

Each member of the Georges family, fortified by their unity and resilience, was ready to embrace this new phase of their lives with renewed determination. The weight of their decision was immense, but they were prepared to carry it, knowing that despite the obstacles, their commitment and solidarity would guide them toward a future where they could truly make a difference. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but with their collective strength, they were ready to transform those challenges into opportunities for the good of the new kingdom and its inhabitants.

The imminent journey to the Arab country marked the beginning of an unprecedented adventure, filled with promises and challenges. The Georges family, resolute and united, moved forward with courage and hope toward an uncertain but promising future, determined to face each obstacle with unwavering conviction and profound solidarity. The future was a blank page, and they were ready to write a story of courage, commitment, and transformation.