The stroll back to the farmhouse was joyful, Ali and Mona basking in the light of Grandfather’s
happiness.
After the three of them chattered through their meal and tea and rested a while, Grandpa
suggested another walk to appreciate the setting sun in the backdrop of clouds nestling against
the mountaintop.Mona took in the beauty of the valley as the grazing animals moved toward
home. She felt a kinship with them, knowing the soothing peace that comes only from relaxing at
home at the end of the day. As the happy notes of the shepherd’s flute faded into the distance,
her soul was content.
Grandpa stopped walking after a time, considering the beauty of the setting sun. “Let me tell you
a story.” He motioned for them to sit on an outcropping of rocks. “The two of you will be the
first to hear this and, most likely, the last.”
He sat across from the curious pair, settling himself carefully. He released a long breath and said:
“It is here I met my Nada,” he said. “She was picking flowers from this valley. Her face shone
with greater beauty than the blossoms she held.” Grandpa paused to regard a graceful bird flying
alone in the light of the dying sun. Mona noted the similarities between the two – the freespirited bird and her brilliant grandfather.
“'Hello!' I said to that lovely girl. She looked at me with annoyance, as though I had disturbed
her. 'Yes?' she inquired, undoubtedly wondering why I, a strange youth, was speaking to her.
Words escaped me in the face of her radiant beauty, so I awkwardly blurted out the first words
that came to me –'thank you for being so beautiful!' She smiled and the whole universe smiled
with her.”
Grandpa gazed at the sky, lost in memories. The sun sank into its rest, deep within the universe,
drawing Grandfather further into his contemplative state.
“True love is known throughout history to have a certain element of mystery, and the story of
lost love touches the heart of every hearer.” Grandpa remarked, pondering. After a moment he
shook himself, returning to his storytelling.
“So I was telling you about my beautiful girl, my Nada.” He said with a faraway smile.
“I believe I fell instantly in love with Nada, but I had other dreams as well and I left this
beautiful village in pursuit of them.”
“Grandpa, you believe you were in love? Were you not sure?” Mona asked.
When we met, I thought I was in love, but I was not. I was transfixed by her beauty, I was
captivated by her smile, and I couldn’t see her love because I was blinded by ambition. Now,
with age and wisdom, after growing to know her, I can truthfully confess that I will always be in
love with her.” Grandpa replied. Years had graced his lost love.
“What happened Grandfather?” Ali asked, leaning forward, fascinated.
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