“ I left this village and went to the city . I still remember that cloudy evening when I said goodbye . I remember the unshed tears welling in her eyes . Memories of my sweet Nada faded as the dazzling lights of city consumed me . Fame came quite soon , which was a curse . I became popular as a writer and the stars in my eyes caused me to lose sight of her . I didn ’ t return for many years and when I did , I was weary of fame , and longed to see my Nada again .”
‘ Did you find her ?” Mona asked , breathlessly . “ Yes , yes I found her .” Grandpa replied , casting his eyes downward . “ Where is she now ?” Ali asked . Gazing toward the horizon , Grandfather replied , “ On the other side of mountain .” Mona and Ali followed his line of sight . “ Grandpa we ’ d like to meet your Nada ,” they exclaimed in unison . Grandfather considered them and nodded , “ Yes , let ’ s walk together .”
The brightness of a full moon lit their path , casting deep shadows behind them as they crested the summit and started down the other side . Grandfather held up his hand to indicate that they had arrived , the light of the moon softening the gentle planes of his face . Ali and Mona exchanged an uncertain look when they realized they were standing at the edge of a graveyard . Moving to a grave beneath the limbs of a beautiful willow , whose leaves were silvered with moonlight , Grandpa paused .
“ Nada is here . She loved me when I was unknown . She wept for me when the world laughed at me . In my haste for fame and glory , I left her alone and never looked back . My beautiful village girl was forgotten .” Tears welled in his eyes and slid down his wrinkled cheeks .
Ali and Mona moved to either side of their wizened grandfather , warming him with their presence , standing by him as his grief ran its course .
“ Grandpa , let ’ s go to home ,” Ali suggested , taking his arm .
Silently they moved toward home . The shadows that seemed benevolent turned into sinister apparitions , clutching at them with cold , bony fingers . A wolf howled mournfully and , startled , Mona screamed . She had heard terrible stories of hungry wolves chasing and attacking humans .
Ali held her hand , and as lightening tore the fabric of the night sky she saw the love reflected in his eyes .
“ Be thankful , Mona , your Ali is still alive .” Grandpa said .
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