The Land Beyond the Forest 12

Márta was in the kitchen with Herta and Lettie cleaning the dishes. Márta was as discrete as she could be but also asked Herta what had happened these past months.

“ Andrei was quite concerned that he had not heard from his brother. This is why we decided to come visit. Andrei brought the boxes of produce knowing you would share with your neighbors. Andrei is also now into the bread baking business. That's because once a month we and thirty others…

The Land Beyond the Forest 11

Andrei and Márta were driving his big truck to Băile Tușnad to see his brother, Benjamin and sister-in-law Herta. The population of Băile Tușnad was only 1,617 but the Romanians were close knit. There were also many Hungarians living in Băile Tușnad. The two groups got along but were not real sociable to each other.

Andrei had not heard from them for five months. His calls to them and letters were unanswered. Benjamin was not a writer but at least he…

The Land Beyond the Forest 10

Márta was in the kitchen chopping celery,and carrots along with mincing parsley and garlic when Andrei walked in the door. “My it smells enticingly delicious in here. What is my dear one concocting in here with her lovely hands?”

“I'm making a big pot of lentil soup. Enough for twelve hungry people.”

“Are you having company?” inquires Andrei with a grin.

“No. Did you forget about the dinner at the orphanage? Once a month you and I along…

The Land Beyond the Forest 9

Returning back home the newspaper spoke of a tragic fire accident about a friend of the family. The towns people all

gathered together to help the family. The house had caught on fire and the oldest son had saved everyone except himself.

He perished in the fire when the roof collapsed on him as he was carrying out the family pet.

The townsfolk had all taken in the family and was planning on helping them to rebuild. They were also planning…