Introduction
This story takes place in the German Democratic Republic, sometime in the 1980s. A young woman named Courtney had just got a new job in a nursery.
Courtney’s father was a lawyer, and she wanted to be one as well, but soon she realized how harsh and exploitative it really was.
Ludmila, an experienced nurse, took Courtney under her wing to take care of babies. It wasn’t long before she got the hang of it, and could lull a baby to sleep with ease.
However, Courtney’s appearance and childhood should be mentioned.
She had brunette hair that only reached to her shoulders, with little freckles on her nose and reflective hazel eyes. She usually wore something simple, like a grey shirt with olive pants.
She had an older sister, Monica, who, at least in little Courtney’s eyes, got more attention from their parents.
Courtney grew up very attached to her weasel stuffie Benedick. As a child she didn’t speak much, although it was normal, as no civilian really dared to talk about the government. Everyone in the GDR was employed, and this was Courtney’s chance to prove herself to her family.
Courtney also had Olivia by her side. Olivia was a birthday present from her mother one year, and the two have been companions ever since.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the small East German town, there lived Duncan. He didn’t like rules much. When he learned his best friend when growing up was going to become part of the Stasi, they stopped talking.
Duncan was not a very loved child. His mother barely had time for him, and his father was usually out in the army. The closest thing he had to a mother was Jenny, a young woman who often took care of him when he was a child.
Up until this point, Duncan’s best friend was his dog Winston. A few years ago, he found Winston as a stray puppy and couldn’t resist bringing him home.
Duncan had also wanted to prove himself to his family, and everyone who looked down on him, including school bullies and teachers who didn’t think he would ever become a successful person.
Now was his chance.
It was the perfect chance for both of them.
