Monuments are meant to help us remember and heal. But sometimes, they are part of the problem again. And what do we do then if they do not help in preventing cycles of violence?

“What will happen?” This question kept popping into my head as I sat in the van, winding through the rugged mountains of Kula, somewhere between Montenegro and Kosovo.

The beautiful season of winter holidays is upon us. Many European cities are in full-on Christmas mode with their winter markets, mulled wine, beautifully shaped cinnamon cookies, tree ornaments and toys. The cafes are decorated with lights and bows and invite us all in for a hot cup of coffee or tea and to enjoy the cozy spaces that smell like Christmas.

War made Mirela's first school day impossible. Now, her daughter has started her first grade. "Healing doesn't always happen in the places we expect."

Once upon a time, there was a wealthy man who got married six times. All his beautiful brides disappeared one by one. The seventh wife discovers something terrible. This tale set columnist Mirela Popaja to thinking.