When the war began a young little girl named Therese was left by her father who had gone on duty. The soldier’s sister soon became like a mother to young Theresa. Therese’s aunt was a kind and warm woman. Besides her niece, she also looked after her own son who had been ill all his life. If the young boy had had a father then perhaps he would have been a much stronger man with good health. Little Therese lived a quite simple life without troubles but without much happiness. She had many responsibilities and not much free time. All choices in her life were made by her aunt. Because Therese’s cousin was ill she even cannot go to school as did other girls her age. When Therese grew up her aunt decided that her own son should marry his cousin. The poor girl had no choice in the matter. After the wedding all of the family moved to a new city. Now it seemed that a new life had begun – but it had not.
John Backhouse
