1942, December 27, nighttime

Leo

I dreamed of meeting them again.

I dreamed that I walked down the same street where I met Renada, pacing back and forth.

I envisioned  her standing there with Matteo at her side, their faces lit up with joy when they saw me.I imagined Matteo run towards me and into my arms, saying,

"I missed you."

But as I looked at him, he faded away.

Faded into the unknown.

Faded away from me.

Disappearing.

Breaking away from my grasp.

I reached out to him, crying out.

"Matteo!Don't leave me!"

But all I grasped for  was air.

Then, the dream changed.

I stood atop of a hill facing the Swiss border .Down in the glade below Renada and Matteo sprinted after me, being followed by  the Sicherheitspolizei, armed with their bayonets.

I  ran down to help the two get to safety, but there was an ear-splitting shot that rang out in the valley.

Renada started screaming.

Matteo was deathly silent and pale

It took me a few seconds to realise what had happened.

Matteo's white shirt underneath his coat was stained with a crimson colored substance.

Blood.

Only one emotion resided in my mind.

Horror.

Matteo stumbled towards me.I held him close.He looked as if he was crying.

But no tears came.

I fell to my knees, cradling him in my arms.

"I pro