"Before we were born, I think my soul knew you."

You're starting your story with that! 

Why not? That's how it was for us.

Go on then.

Alrighty.

'Before we were born, do you think we knew each other?' was what he actually said.

I had stars in my eyes, thinking, he's going to ask me the big one in a minute, he's going to take my hand and ask me to marry him! 

And he did. We married soon after.

We had our ups and downs and roundabouts but we never let the sun go down on troubles without a kiss goodnight. 

Grandma sighed, and Crystal sighed, sideways glancing at the clock.

I didn't keep my figure, he didn't keep his hair!  

But then, mothers couldn't work anymore. I said, we need to do something. This is what I said: First, pray. Next, dig. After that, share the hoe with a neighbour! 

Grandma, you said this was a mystery?

So it is! And I need you to solve it.

Ok, but speed it up.

Then came the Irish curfew, rounding-up the red-heads. With my shocked grey and him bald, we weren't in the front line, but trouble was getting closer, and we had to hide our children, your uncle and your mother...

Don't cry Grandma!

It's tears of anger!

Anyhow, the last thing he said to me when they took him was, 'Get the kids out. I will always find you.'

It was a long time ago Grandma.

I know. But look here.... Where do you think these came from?

********

Grandma reached into her big apron pocket and drew out five regular-sized brown envelopes and placed them still unopened on the kitchen table. Crystal examined them in turn. Each was addressed simply to, 'Madame Felicia Roux, at home.' They looked faded. Could they have been posted years ago, under the dictatorship?

'Where did you find these?' Crystal asked. 

'On the doormat.'

'What? When?'

'Every day this week, almost.'

'Do you recognise the writing?' asked Crystal, already knowing the answer.

'Let's see,' she continued, already hooked. 'First pray, then dig. After that, share the hoe with a neighbour? '

'That's what I would do.'

'That's what you are doing, isn't it! ' Crystal grinned. 'How much digging have you done already? '

It turned out Grandma had done quite a bit. 

*****