The Six Escapes - Finding Lost Civilizations

for a job." He asked me to stand up, andsaid, "You are free as of now." I wasrelieved, and happy. Then, the judge saidwith a somewhat whimsical smile, "I dosuggest, not to look for a job near theborder next time, for there is no blacksmithin that area anyway."As I stepped outside the courthouse Ifelt like a million, even though I had not adime on me. There across the street wasparked the horse and buggy with my fatherand stepmother on board. When theynoticed me, father asked me to jump onand come home. I declined, and told themgoodbye. They left and I began walking toPesnica to see my aunt, which is some 10kilometers from Maribor.This was the last time I saw mystepmother. In 1969 she committedsuicide. And my father, I didn't see him for12 years, until 1970. Then I drove himaround by car to see places, but his stem,domineering attitude never changed. In1986 he died due to an accident. May theyrest in peace.My Aunt Angela and uncle were veryglad to see me, and said, “You arewelcome to stay here, but you're ratherskinny and pale." My uncle was nowretired. Years ago he had had his ownblacksmith's shop before the Communistregime, and after worked for a statecompany. With his help and influence, I gotthe job within a week. Aunt Angela alsohas had a restaurant/bar; both businesseswere located at their home, but now shehad the fanners milk collection business,besides some five hectares of farmland,