Thomas wrapped his strong arms around me and kissed me. I just stood there, staring at our house, too touched to speak. “Wait a second, Joanna.” He lifted me up and carried me over the threshold. “But we're not exactly newly-wed, silly,” I laughed, kicking and squirming because he took the opportunity to tickle me. “I know, but this is our first real home.” He put me down in the dark and damp living room. “And just wait, in a year or two it'll be a splendid place.” I ran aimlessly around, checking every nook and corner, seeing everything with fresh eyes, because now it was ours. We helped each other open the old windows with their thick layers of paint. “It seems they've painted all the doors and windows green,” I observed. “Of course. The colour of hope, spring, new life. We're going to stick to that colour, aren't we?” “And keep chickens and a temperamental turkey, and fetch water from the pump outside. You are trying to make a real countrywoman out of me, aren't you?”
