Stella walked through her school. Lessons had just finished for the younger ones, and the children all ran outside excitedly.

One of the children, Max, handed Stella a cake, she thanked him and kissed his head, before carrying on.

She walked past Friedrich's classroom, in which all the children were playing violin, happy.

She passed Beth's class, in which a little girl sat at the piano, shy, but talented. Beth grinned as the girl finished the piece, hugging the child.

She walked outside, passing Father who was teaching children the alphabet.

She passed Charlie who was mixing her 'potions' as the children liked to call them.

Amy was contentedly painting, Dennis beside her with a baby in his arms.

Stella walked past Meg and her family, happily talking.

Bess jumped into Stella's arms as she walked, and Stella grinned.

"Laurie, how many times do I have to tell you? Put the baby down when you're fencing." Meg scolded. Bess jumped down and Stella took the baby in her arms.

Laurie kissed his eldest child's cheek, sweeping her into his arms.

"Mommy, Daddy look! My tooth fell out!" The middle child happily exclaimed.

Stella grinned, taking his child. She marched the troop of children, family and friends to the table her mother sat at and placed the cake in front of her.

"Happy birthday!" They all cried.

Stella looked at Jo, who placed the book in front of her mother, then around at the group, happy to be there. Happy to be alive.

She shared a knowing look with Teddy, and smiled.

And it was peaceful. It was beautiful.