021 - Chapter XX DAYLIGHT

As Christmas approaches, the spirited young Joseph is brimming with excitement at the thought of finally meeting his father, Adam, on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, his unwed mother, Martina, is filled with anxiety about the passing hours, for Adam is now engaged to another woman. Complicating matters further is Adams domineering mother, a bitter woman who blames God and fate for the tragic death of her other son, Vincent, and who has staunchly opposed any union between her son and the lowly Martina, a former maid in her household. Though the beautiful Martina attracts many suitors, her heart remains loyal to Adam, declaring, I could easily find a good husband, but my Joseph can have no other father than Adam, even if he wished for it. As Christmas Eve unfolds, little Joseph mysteriously vanishes. Where could he have gone? Did he wander into the snowy forest where villagers have reported a wolf sighting? What fate awaits the child? (Summary by Brian Fullen)