Sa chuanfort i Yokosuka, áit a raibh na duilleoga ag titim go mall ónár gcrainn, bhí Niamh ag siúl go bríomhar trí shráideanna an bhunáite.

In the naval base in Yokosuka, where the leaves were falling slowly from our trees, Niamh was energetically walking through the streets of the base.

B'in oifigeach uirthi san chabhlach Éireannach, ag cur súil le lá speisialta a roinnt lena cairde seanbhunaithe, Declan agus Aisling.

She was an officer in the Irish navy, looking forward to sharing a special day with her old friends, Declan and Aisling.

Ba iad faoinár crainn, idir foirmeacha míleata agus dathanna áille an fhómhair, a bhfaca sí a gcairde.

It was under our trees, amidst military forms and the beautiful autumn colors, that she saw her friends.

Bhí Declan agus Aisling thaisteal ó Bhaile Átha Cliath le Niamh a fheiceáil.

Declan and Aisling had traveled from Baile Átha Cliath to see Niamh.

Bhí siad ag dréim le heispéireas úr sa tSeapáin.

They were looking forward to a fresh experience in Japan.

Bhí Niamh fillte le cumha dá bhaile, ach le gliondar ag fáiltiú roimh an mhaidin sin, níorbh fhéidir léi an gháire a cheilt.

Niamh was filled with homesickness for her home, but with joy greeting that morning, she couldn't hide her smile.

"Tá plean céasta agam don lá," arsa Niamh agus í ag cur le spreagadh.

"I have a meticulous plan for the day," said Niamh, adding enthusiasm.

D'inis sí do Aisling agus Declan faoi phleanáil na hoíche agus na n-ábhair spéise a bhí beartaithe aici.

She told Aisling and Declan about the planning for the evening and the points of interest she had intended.

Bhí siad ag súil le turas uimhir a dó i Yokohama agus cuairt a thabhairt ar lonrachul Hibiya Park.

They were looking forward to tour number two in Yokohama and a visit to the bright Hibiya Park.

Ach ní a dhéanfadh cúrsa fiú an plean is fearr riamh.

But not even the best plan could control the course.

Faoi lár an lae, fuair Niamh glaoch gorm ón mbunáit.

By midday, Niamh received a distress call from the base.

Ghlac an glaoch seo le torann.

The call rang with urgency.

Bhí géarghát fiostúcháin ann arís, bhí dualgas sa chabhlach ag glaoch uirthi.

There was an urgent need for a briefing again; duty in the navy was calling her.

Bhí Niamh caillte i smaointe.

Niamh was lost in thought.

Cad atá le déanamh aici?

What should she do?

Cá fhad a bheadh an cruinniú seo?

How long would this meeting be?

D'inis sí faoina háimhrialtachtaí nua dá cairde, gan fáinne aineolais a bheith orthu.

She informed her friends about her new irregularities, without them being left in the dark.

Bhí gach rud réidh le bheith faoistin, ach scaoil Declan nuacht iontach.

Everything was ready to be confessed, but Declan broke the great news.

"Tá ár seachtain sínte," a dúirt sé, fiú amháin ag gáire go só-mhillte.

"Our stay has been extended," he said, even laughing with spoiled delight.

Bhí iontas ar Niamh ag briseadh amach ar a aghaidh.

Niamh was surprised, breaking out on her face.

Chuir sin sólás ar Niamh.

That comforted Niamh.

"Is iontach é sin!

"That's wonderful!"

" ar sí, a croí lán de ghrách agus de shíocháin.

she said, her heart full of love and peace.

Cé go mbeadh uirthi freastal ar an mbunáit, bhí an t-am fós acu lena chéile a chaitheamh.

Even though she would have to attend the base, they still had time to spend together.

Nuair a d'fhill sí ón obair, bhí sí fós ag súil le lán an chroí, ag déanamh dearmad faoi na deacrachtaí.

When she returned from work, she was still looking forward to the fullness of the heart, forgetting the difficulties.

Bhí an aithne a bhíodh idir í agus a cairde níos láidre ná fánacht fhada.

The bond that had existed between her and her friends was stronger than a long absence.

Is é an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an státseirbhíse ná cothromaíocht a choinneáil idir do dhualgas agus do shaol pearsanta.

The importance of public service is to maintain a balance between duty and personal life.

Mar sin, faoi dheireadh lae, bhí Niamh ag comhaireamh a beannachtaí, a suaimhneas agus ceangail annamh ach láidir an ghrá.

So, by the end of the day, Niamh was counting her blessings, her peace, and the rare yet strong ties of love.

Ná feicimid fós ar an turas pelaiméalta b'fhéidir é ach d'aimsigh sí sonas.

We may not see the complete journey yet, but she found happiness.

Agus is é sin an rud a insteall Mhárta.

And that is what sustained her.