Only Nada lives on the Other Side of Mountains
The cool spring winds sang over the mountains and swept down through wild flowers. The
beauty of the bright spring sun inspired a touch of bittersweet feelings for Mona. She moved to
and fro and packed her few belongings into wooden boxes. Stretching on her toes to reach the
top shelf of her simple yet delicate teak bookcase, Mona’s hand brushed light across the spine of
a tattered, but cherished, book.
Looking over her shoulders, Mona brushed the dust from her hand and reached for the
faded and stained book.
“I haven’t seen Grandpa’s book since I was a child,” She cradled the time-worn tome in both
hands and sank down to sit on a brocaded footstool.
Tears glazed her eyes as she opened the thin book, caressing a small scrap of parchment that
rested just inside the front cover. She ran her fingers over the tender words written in shaky
script so long ago. As his gift to her, he’d drawn a flower under his signature.
“My dearest Mona, the love and wisdom in these pages will guide you to keep you on your path.
Let these simple words soothe you in times of sadness and empower you to find the happiness
that lies within your heart.”
Where had the time gone? It seemed as though only yesterday her dear grandfather had spun the
tales and shared the laughter bringing color and life to her world.
Clutching the book to her bosom, she rose and walked to the door, drinking in the cool, fresh
scent of the valley. Grandfather’s book felt warm with a life of its own beneath her palms. This
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