Page 192 - Revelation

Svetlana de Rohan-Levashova. Revelation

the latest news with friends or simply breathed the fresh winter air. I worried a little,
knowing that in a short while I would be an object of general attention, but despite my
anxious state I wanted to look confident and proud on my favourite beautiful Snow-
storm... I brought my "disheveled" emotions together in order not to let down my
wonderful friend and quietly touched her side with my leg and we trotted out through
the gate... My mother, father, grandmother and the neighbour waved, as if it was an
incredibly important event for them too... It was very kind and funny and somehow
helped me to relax at once, and we calmly and confidently went further. Neighbours’
children came to the street too, waved and shouted greetings to us, making a real
"festive fuss" which cheered up all the neighbours.

The forest appeared soon, and on turning to the well-known path, we passed out
of sight. And here I gave free rein to my yelling of joyful emotions! I squeaked like a
happy puppy, kissed Snow- storm’s silky nose one thousand times (which amazed her
greatly), loudly sang some ridiculous songs, all in all – I rejoiced as far as my happy
child's soul allowed me...
– Please, my dear, show them that you’re happy again. Please! And we will ride
together a lot again! As much as you want, I promise you! Only let them see that you
are all right. – I begged Snow-storm.

I felt absolutely fabulous with her and hoped very much that she would feel at
least a tiny part of what I felt. The weather was amazing. The air almost "crackled" –
so pure and cold it was. The white forest cover sparkled with millions of little stars; as
if somebody's large hand generously strewed fairy-tale diamonds on it. Snow-storm
friskily trotted along the path trodden out by skiers and seemed quite satisfied,
beginning to come back to life very quickly to my enormous joy. My heart rejoiced. I
was about to take wing with happiness, anticipating the joyful moment when they
would say that she was at last truly mine...
In a half an hour we turned back to avoid any additional anxiety for my family
which worried about me constantly. The neighbour was still outside, apparently
wishing to see with her own eyes that everything was all right with both of us. My
grandmother and mother ran outside at once and then dad appeared, carrying a thick
multicoloured lace which he gave to the neighbour. I easily jumped from the horse and
ran to him with my heart fervently beating. I hid my face in his chest, wishing and
fearing to hear such important words for me.

– Well, dear, she loves you! – The neighbour said and warmly smiled. She tied
the coloured lace onto Snow-storm’s neck and solemnly brought her to me. – We
brought her home for the first time with the same "lead". Take her. She is yours. I wish
happiness to you both...
Tears glittered in my neighbour’s eyes, apparently even the kind recollections still
wounded her heart worn out with sufferings for her lost husband...

– I promise, I will love her very much and look after her very well! – Choking
with agitation, I babbled. – She will be happy...
All around smiled and this scene suddenly reminded me of another one I had seen
earlier. The only difference was – a man was handed a medal. I merrily laughed, firmly
hugged my amazing gift and swore in my heart never to part with it.

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