Never Turn Back Read Online Free PDF

coming from little Raisio to the big city of Paris. It’s not what I thought, either. You’ll get used to it, or you can always go back.”
    “I’ll never go back!” Meri’s response was more forceful than any of them expected, even Meri. Meri blushed and spoke to her shoes. “I said my final farewells to my family and to Finland. Turning back is not an option. I’m sorry. I’m tired from my long days of travel.”
    Tuula nodded. “Elina, take Meri into her room and help get her settled. Then show her down the hall to the washroom. Maybe then Meri can rest until dinner is ready?” Tuula looked at her daughter and her new roommate.
    Elina and Meri shared a brief glance—a look that said there’s no use in arguing —and left Tuula to her work in the tiny kitchen.
    In about an hour, Meri smelled garlic, onions, and other savory smells masking the odd odor she detected upon entering the apartment for the first time. Tuula is a good cook! Perhaps she knows people in the fashion industry, too…
    Meri came into the living area. Elina played quietly while Tuula finished setting the table for a late supper. “Your timing is perfect,” Tuula said.
    “Your cooking smells perfect. I couldn’t stay away any longer. Is there anything I can do to help you?”
    Tuula waved her hand and shook her head. “No, just sit and relax. You should rest after such a long trip.”
    Meri smiled and sat down on the chair Tuula indicated. “I had a thought as I was lying down. Do you know of anyone in the fashion district?”
    Tuula rolled her eyes and sighed. “Didn’t Kaija tell you what to expect? I told you, Paris is not welcoming to foreigners.” Before giving Meri a chance to answer, Tuula ordered Elina to help get the food into serving dishes.
    “When they see my fine needlework, I’m certain they’ll appreciate my talents no matter where I come from.” Meri smoothed her dress over her lap. Her stomach rumbled with hunger.
    “Think what you like. I live here. I know Paris.” Tuula sat down abruptly.
    “You don’t know me, Tuula. I’m not just any foreigner, so don’t treat me like one!” Meri put her hands on her hips and stared at Tuula.
    Tuula raised one eyebrow and said in a low, calculated voice, “I don’t let anyone speak to me with that tone, especially in my home, do you understand, Meri?”
    Meri shifted her gaze to the tired lilies at the center of the table. “I am determined, Tuula. My Mamma called me stubborn. I didn’t mean to upset or disrespect you. You’re kind to offer your home to a complete stranger. I should act more grateful. Please don’t be angry with me on my first night here. I’ll clean up after dinner to make things up to you.”
    “No, not tonight. Tonight, you’re our guest. Tomorrow we’ll discuss the terms of your stay here.”
    Meri remembered the small piece of cheese she had from the wonderful lunch earlier that day. It remained in her coat pocket. She decided to save it. “ Kiitos . Kaija led me to believe you had a big apartment with plenty of room for both of us to stay until we found our own home. She also said that there would be many jobs for us to pick from—like you had.”
    “Kaija! Always the little girl…” Tuula shook her head.
    “What do you mean?” Meri asked the question as Elina sidled up next to her, seemingly equally curious.
    “Kaija always focuses on sunshine, never rain. She refuses to listen to a story with a sad ending. Once she even made up a happy ending to an old fable because the original upset her,” Tuula said as she served some kind of stew with mostly vegetables.  “My sweet cousin chooses only to notice the good things in life, not the bad. I told her life wouldn’t be easy for either of you here in Paris, but her letters back to me were filled only with plans and dreams of prosperity and good fortune. She spoke about how you both would find a beautiful apartment and handsome suitors. In no time, you would be designing clothes