Chapter 246: Saviours, Part 4, Six Years Ago

The church is only small, serving a farming community spread over many miles. It sits in a grassy acre, dotted with wildflowers and fragrant with spring blossoms. And today, with the gathered congregation, it is standing-room only.

Flowers, picked from the meadows and tied with bright ribbons, decorate the end of each pew. Everyone is wearing 'Sunday Best' and just outside the door stands a young woman, tall, slender, copper-haired under the brilliant blue skies, and lovely as the May morning of her marriage.

Mr Kalkowski, wearing formal suit and a stiff collar that must surely be cutting into his neck, stands close by. And inside she knows is her husband-to-be, Chad.

Chad, who was her first friend here.

Chad, tall, broad-shouldered and handsome, blue-eyed and golden-haired as the sunshine.

Chad, who defended her, then taught her to defend herself.

Chad, who asked her to marry him.

Chad, who waits inside for her.

Natalie, her bridesmaid, fiddles with her train and arran