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Cycling to Harmony Park
On a perfect sunny weekend, Kateryna and Alejandro decided to embrace the beauty of a simple day. Standing outside their apartment, Kateryna, her blonde hair catching the light, asked with a grin, “Tacos or pierogies?” Alejandro laughed, adjusting his bike helmet. “Why not both? Let’s make it a feast!” They hopped on their bikes, baskets filled with food, and pedaled towards Harmony Park, a peaceful haven in Port North. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of grass and blooming flowers as they rode under a sky so blue it seemed endless. “I can already smell the tacos,” Kateryna joked, her eyes sparkling. Alejandro chuckled. “That, or we’re being haunted by picnic scents.” They arrived at the park, finding the perfect spot beneath a sprawling oak tree. Alejandro spread out their colorful blanket while Kateryna laid out the food—a blend of Mexican tacos and Ukrainian pierogies. “Only we could make a picnic that’s a cultural fusion,” she teased, offering him a pierogi. “Masterpieces come in all forms,” Alejandro replied, raising a taco in salute. The two friends laughed, enjoying their meal as the sun’s golden rays filtered through the leaves. Everything was peaceful until a soft voice interrupted them. An Unexpected Guest
A woman approached—her clothes worn, her eyes kind but tired. She hesitated, then asked in Spanish, "¿Me permiten un poco de comida?" (May I have a bit of food?) Alejandro immediately stood. “Por favor, siéntate,” he said, inviting her to join them. The woman, Rosa, took a seat, her gratitude evident as she slowly accepted a taco and pierogi. What began as a simple picnic quickly transformed into something deeper. Over the next hour, Rosa shared her story—how a series of tragedies had left her homeless, though she’d once worked as a nurse. "I lost everything in a blink," Rosa said, her voice soft but steady. Kateryna, deeply moved, placed a hand on Rosa’s. "Ви неймовірно сильна," she said in Ukrainian. (You are incredibly strong.) Rosa smiled at the sentiment, even if the words were unfamiliar. “Thank you,” she whispered. Alejandro grinned, trying to lighten the moment. “We’re glad you found us today. No one should eat alone.” The three of them laughed, the heaviness lifting as they shared food, stories, and a newfound connection. A Helping Hand
As the sun began to set, casting the park in warm hues, Kateryna and Alejandro realized they couldn’t simply say goodbye to Rosa. They quickly came up with a plan. “We know some shelters that might help,” Alejandro offered, pulling out his phone. Kateryna began writing down names of local organizations while Alejandro made a few calls. Rosa watched, her eyes wide with surprise. “You don’t have to do this…” Kateryna smiled gently. “We want to.” As they finished up, Rosa’s eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t think kindness like this existed anymore.” Alejandro shrugged. “It’s everywhere. You just have to find the right people.” Rosa hugged them both before leaving, her steps lighter than before. The connection they’d made felt profound, a reminder that even small acts of kindness could change a life. Riding Home
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kateryna and Alejandro mounted their bikes again. They rode in a comfortable silence, the park behind them and the future ahead, their hearts full of hope. “Who knew tacos and pierogies could make such a difference?” Kateryna mused. Alejandro smiled. “It’s not the food. It’s the people.” They cycled toward home, the golden light of dusk bathing them, knowing that a simple picnic had transformed into something unforgettable, a moment where kindness, friendship, and compassion had come together to make the world just a little bit better. |
| Chapters 1 to 4 | Chapters 5 to 8 | Chapters 9 to 12 |
Two study guides for Bridging Borders - A Multilingual Romance.
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