Smates was invited to create a mural commemorating the 80th anniversary of Sint-Niklaas' liberation during World War II, and he immersed himself in the city archives, with special thanks to Patty De Meester.

It was there that he uncovered this remarkable photograph: Danielle Hanssens, a local woman from Sint-Niklaas, and Eugeniusz Olszewski, a Polish liberator. The two fell in love during the city's liberation in 1944.

In the image, Danielle gazes directly at us, her radiant smile shining through, while Eugeniusz looks dreamily into the distance. It’s a moment filled with hope and love.