Bhí ceo éadrom ag clúdach Gleann Dá Loch ar mhaidin amháin sa gheimhreadh, an ghaoth ag séideadh go réidh os cionn na gcrann.

A light mist was covering Gleann Dá Loch on one winter morning, the wind gently blowing over the trees.

Bhí sé ciúin agus síochánta, ach fuaire an oighir i ngach coirnéal den áit.

It was quiet and peaceful, but the chill of ice was in every corner of the place.

Bhí Siobhán agus Pádraig ag siúl chomh maith, a gcroíthe trom le machnamh agus imní.

Siobhán and Pádraig were walking along as well, their hearts heavy with contemplation and worry.

Bhí Siobhán ag smaoineamh faoina slí bheatha agus an bhrú nach mór di dul i ngleic leis.

Siobhán was thinking about her career and the pressure she must deal with.

Tá sí ag barr réimse ina gairm, ach mothaíonn sí mar nach bhfuil sí comhlíonta.

She is at the top of her field, but she feels unfulfilled.

Bhí an Nollaig ag teannadh isteach, ag meabhrú na dúile agus na hoibre a bhí roimpi.

Christmas was approaching, reminding her of the obligations and work ahead of her.

"An bhfuilim ar an mbóthar ceart?

"Am I on the right path?"

" a cheap sí.

she thought.

Thug sí faoi deara conas a splanc sé os cionn dhealbh cloiche Naomh Caoimhín, mar a raibh siad ag stad.

She noticed how it gleamed over the stone statue of Naomh Caoimhín where they were stopping.

Padraig, caidreamach agus gealgháireach i gcónaí, bhi fadhbanna aige féin lena theaghlach.

Pádraig, always sociable and cheerful, had his own problems with his family.

Tá tuairimí láidre acu.

They have strong opinions.

Ba mhaith leis a bheith ina thraenálaí sacair.

He wants to be a soccer coach.

Ach ní fheictear sin ró-mhaith leis na seanphobal.

But that's not seen as very desirable by the older generation.

Bhí brú mhór air freisin, ach níor lig sé air.

He was under a lot of pressure too, but he didn't let it show.

"Nár mhaith leat sin a dhéanamh?

"Wouldn't you like to do that?"

" d'fhiafraigh sé di, agus iad ag coimhéad ar a chéile le fiosracht agus tacaíocht.

he asked her, as they looked at each other with curiosity and support.

Bhí siad anois ag siúl go dtí an Loch Uachtair, áilleacht nádúrtha ag lonrú faoin oighear.

They were now walking towards an Loch Uachtair, natural beauty shining under the ice.

Gan focal eile, tusaíocht nádúra na háite ag cur le machnamh Siobhán.

Without another word, the nature of the place added to Siobhán's reflection.

Tháinig siad go dtí tír atá suite agaibh ag imeall an locha.

They came to a land situated at the edge of the lake.

Stop Siobhan ansin.

Siobhán stopped there.

D'fhéach sí aimsir an locha, agus ansin isteach ina hanam ise féin.

She looked at the weather of the lake, and then into her own soul.

"Léiríonn sé dom go bhfuil rud éigin níos tábhachtaí ná cad a cheapann daoine eile.

"It shows me that there's something more important than what other people think.

Is gá domsa mo bhóthar féin a chruthú arís," a dúirt sí go socair le Padraig, mothú meáchain ag ardú dá gualainn.

I need to find my own path again," she said calmly to Pádraig, feeling the weight lifting from her shoulders.

Cibé rud a tharlóidh, bhí sí breá sásta anois a bheith dílis di féin.

No matter what happens, she was happy now to be true to herself.

"Smaoineamh maith é, a Shiobhán.

"That's a good thought, Siobhán.

Ní mór duit dílseacht a thabhairt duit féin.

You must give loyalty to yourself.

Is féidir linn ár mbealach a dhéanamh lenár ndúthracht féin," arsa Padraig, gáire mór air.

We can make our way with our own dedication," said Pádraig, with a big smile.

Agus sin mar a sheasadar ann, na deora reatha deireanach ag paistí a gcroí.

And so they stood there, the last running tears patching their hearts.

Bhí Siobhán cinnte anois, ní amháin faoin todhchaí ach faoin mbealach chun na todhchaí.

Siobhán was sure now, not only about the future but about the way to the future.

Ní raibh aon eagla uirthi a thuilleadh.

She was no longer afraid.

Bhí sí réidh le saoirse nua a chruthú.

She was ready to create a new freedom.

An Séasúr Nollag ag teach isteach lena thús nua.

The Christmas season was coming in with its new beginning.

Le sin, d'fhág siad an loch taobh thiar dóibh, mar bhí a dtreó nua cruthaithe go feiliúnach, an saol mar dhóchas a bhí rompu.

With that, they left the lake behind them, as their new direction was suitably formed, life as a hope ahead of them.

Agus ní raibh siad in aon mhoill leis na céimeanna beaga a ghlacadh, na hairíonna áille a mheas, agus iad ag dul ar aghaidh le chéile, de bharr a neart agus muinín nua fuarta.

And they were in no hurry to take the small steps, appreciating the beautiful signs, and moving forward together, thanks to their strength and newfound confidence.