A veil of silence had fallen... When they made the corresponding announcement, everyone snorted. The new couple would no longer live with them. They had decided after a long time of discussing it. They brought it from here, they brought it from there, what Kostas earned from his work, they were not allowed many things. They didn't want a long life. Only to rent a house of their own and put me aside. Could both their children study? Anastasia had been staying at home with the children for some time now, taking care of them and Kostas' parents as well. The needs are many and the parents' house is small. It was difficult to come out with the tzuka of the day. As for luxuries, there were none. Even clothes and shoes were deprived to meet the needs of children and parents.
That's how they made the decision, after all, Kostas had made a promise to Anastasia when they got married. To live a good life together and take care of the family. Mr. Giorgos, his father, had a little money saved, for the bad time. These would be the tickets. A cousin of Anastasia would vouch for them. He had left the village years ago, almost a mere child, and had made a start in America. In the beginning, Stathis worked as a lancer. He met a patriot, they got married and had children. In time he opened a Greek restaurant in Astoria.
So Kostas called him and told him what he and his cousin had decided. Stathis is a good boy. Not only did he not think about it any further, but laughing uproariously and with great joy he said: “Cousin, don't be sad! I will do my best to help! We will have you company here near us!” Kostas mumbled something and Stathis continued: "Until things settle down you will stay with us. You will work near me in the shop. To have a man of my own, along with the lady. If she wants, her cousin can also come to work. We outside, serving and whatever is needed, and the women in the kitchen."
They made the papers, finished all the procedures and bought the tickets. They greeted parents and relatives. The day came when they started for the new life that awaited them. Unknown what they would find in front of them. Scared, excited and not knowing what they would find where they were going. But they were determined to make it through.
The great port of their place was disappearing from their sight, and they were huddled together on the deck. With the children in their arms choking their tears, so that the children do not see them cry. They spent many days traveling on the ocean liner to determine them, until they finally arrived. Stathis was waiting for them at the port for the welcome.
Kostas settled with his family at a relative's house. At first they worked in the shop and the children were looked after by Stathis's daughter together with her brothers. Time passed and they rented their own house next to their cousins. They also met other Greeks and they all gathered together to remember the festivities in the homeland. Years passed and one Christmas, there in front of the tree they were looking at the manger. "My Anastasia, I know that life was not easy. You are tired and I am tired. But before the others come I want to give you a gift!” and handed her the envelope.
"Our family is the gift you have given me for years, my Kostas..." answered Anastasia. "I had given you a promise, that I would take you on vacation to our place, when things are fixed..." The envelope in Anastasia's hands was shaking from the trembling in her hands. The time had come for them to see their friends, relatives and parents again. To see their places and the homeland they were deprived of.
"I love you girl!"
"I love you too my Kostas!" she said giving him a tender kiss on the cheek, next to the Christmas tree. Soon the house was filled with laughter, shouts and joy from friends and relatives who came as guests for the Christmas table. They clinked glasses and said happily: "Merry Christmas with health!" Kostas and Anastasia had kept all their promises.
photo 2 table / https://pixabay.com
