351 Getting to Know Viktor

(Winona)

The moment we step into the backyard, I feel a shift. It’s not a yard. It’s like a private wooded area with beautiful clearings. The air smells fresher here, I swear.

I grab Henry from his pram and carry him the rest of the way.

The other kids are already ahead of us, their laughter carrying through the overgrown garden. I follow behind, taking it all in. I just love it.

“How much land is in the backyard?” It seems to go on forever.

“Ten hectares I believe.”

“It’s as much a backyard as this house is a cottage.”

Viktor smiles at me. “That’s Gus.”

Out in the open clearing, the first thing I notice is the tree. It’s massive, towering over the garden, with thick branches stretching wide. Hanging from one of those branches are not one, but two wooden swings, swaying gently in the breeze.

Both are weathered.

“Look, Mommy! Swings!” Sarah calls out, her face lighting up as she rushes toward them, Abby right behind her.

“Wait for Viktor to check them first,” I call out, my mom mode k