The Blind Beggar: Part XV

Two weeks later, Boulos had his own place to live.  It was a small apartment in an office building where a Christian organization rented office space.  They had no need for the apartment since the missionaries, Charles and Rana, got their own place four blocks away following the recent birth of their son.

Once living quarters were established, a Catholic group provided items to furnish the apartment.  Not to be outdone, local mosques began lending assistance in various ways.  On the day Boulos moved in, representatives from each group was on hand to assist in setting up the apartment and getting him settled.  It was chaotic with many bodies moving about and Boulos felt overwhelmed by the noises and newness of it all. 

Finally, one imam spoke up and said, “My brothers, it is good we could all come together to help our friend, Boulos.  We all felt Allah wanted us to do something to help him.  All of us, Muslims, Hindus, Christians overcame our differences to do what we knew in our hearts was right.  I am proud of the good we have done.” 

As the imam spoke, Boulos tried to calm his nerves by focusing on his new surroundings.  He heard the echo of the imam’s voice off the walls and tile floor.  He also heard a humming noise above him and felt the slightest breeze on his skin.  He believed it was a ceiling fan.  All the attention given him was unnerving.  Normally, he was ignored.  When he was noticed, he often received harsh treatment.  Now it seemed everyone wanted to give something to him.

Boulos couldn’t help but wonder if the ones now helping him were doing it to show off their own piety.  While he was grateful to have a home, he feared the many groups represented in the apartment would one day be the cause of him losing the very thing they were now giving. 

He then felt a hand touch his shoulder and a voice whispered into his ear, “Hello, my friend.  It is Daiwik.  I am pleased you will finally have a home.  Don’t worry, my friend.  We will all leave and give you peace soon enough.”  Boulos smiled at his friend’s kindness when Daiwik continued, “Once everyone leaves, I have a gift for you.”

About an hour later, the majority left.  Charles and Rana advised Boulos and Daiwik they would leave the office for the day and left Boulos and Daiwik alone.  Daiwik considered the bewildered young man next to him and said, “Yes, my friend, it is much for you to take in.  Here, this is what I promised you.”  Daiwik placed it into Boulos’s outstretched hand.

Boules felt the smooth glass and aluminum surfaces of the rectangular object and asked, “What is it?”

“It is an iPad.  You have heard of it?”

“Yes, I’ve heard of an iPad before but you know I can’t see.  How am I supposed to use it?”

“I realize there may be some limitations but do you feel a button sized indentation toward the bottom in the center.”  Boulos found it.  “Good, now press and hold it for a moment.”  Boulos did so and heard two beeps and a female voice that said, “Sorry, I missed that.”

“Very good, my friend.  Now, press the button and after the beeps ask what time it is.”  Boulos did so and the voice responded with the time.  Daiwik could sense Boulos was still skeptical. He prompted Boulos again.  “Now push the button and ask to send a text message to Daiwik.”  Boulos did so.  The voice asked, “What would you like to say to Daiwik?”  Daiwik replied, “You can text me anytime.”  The voice confirmed the message and asked to send it.  Then it was sent. 

Boulos next heard a chiming sound and Daiwik retrieved something.  Boulos believed Daiwik was using his phone when he felt the iPad in his hands vibrate and heard a barking noise come from it.  Boulos laughed.  Daiwik said, “My apologies my friend.  It was my daughter’s iPad but she gave it to my dear wife when she married but Madhura doesn’t use it.  Now it belongs to you.  We can change the sounds if you like.”

Laughing, Boulos said, “No, no I like dogs.  I like the barking dog.“

“Very well, my friend.  You can ask for it to read your text messages.  That way, we can communicate if you need something.  I will leave you to your new home.  The gods continue smiling on you, my friend.  You have a home, food in the kitchen and things to cook it with.  Now we must find a wife for you, yes?”  They both laughed and Daiwik exited. 

Boulos felt the smooth surfaces of the iPad in his hands, rubbing his fingers back and forth along the edges.  He pressed the button and asked to send a message to Amal.  The reply was, “I don’t understand ‘A mall.’

Light

Sitting in a dark room, I observe a single candle.  The flame dances on the wick as it burns wax, string and oxygen.  The miracle of illumination draws me in. 

From this tiny, single source, the whole room is lighted.  All eyes in the dark are drawn to light.  They must gaze upon it.  We want to see it.  We must be warmed by it. 

All portions of the room are bathed in in light.  Even the shadows bear witness to the power of the flame.  What is this mighty power I see?  The light pierces the darkness.  It would seem night would overpower the light by sheer volume.  Yet, light cannot be hidden.  It cannot be defeated.  It is no contest.  It reigns supreme.  Darkness can never overcome light. 

A New Story: She Smiled to Herself

Brian loved his brother and he loved Marsha.  With Marsha on the other side of his phone call, he wondered if he would have to choose sides.  Marsha said, “Brian, as you probably know, Bob left.  He just left and cleaned out the bank account.”

“What?  Wow!”

“Now don’t give me that, darlin’.  I know Bob tells you everything.  I wouldn’t doubt if he is standing next to you right now.”  Brian was happy his brother wasn’t.  Marsha continued, “I need you to give him a message for me, will ya?”

“Ok, yeah, sure.”  Brian anticipated a tirade of posturing and threats.  He planned on giving his brother one simple message:  “You’re screwed.”

The tone of Marsha’s voice was what first caught his attention.  Instead of anger, defiance and determination, he heard regret and reconciliation.  “Will ya tell him I’m sorry?  I know I haven’t been a good wife to him.  I do love him and would like to work things out if he is willing.  Can ya tell him that for me?”

Brian was stunned to silence.  Marsha said, “Brian?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll tell him.”  Then he added, “Who are you and what have you done with my sister-in-law?”

“Don’t be a jackass, Brian.”

“I know, I’m sorry but you gotta admit, this isn’t normal for you.”

“Well, you just proved to me I’m not the person I should be.  I’m turning over a new leaf.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Bob that too.”

“Now don’t promise anything.  Lord knows I won’t be able to change overnight but I want to take the first steps.”

“Marsha, I gotta admit, I’m surprised.  It makes me happy but I’m surprised.  I hope things work out.”

“Thanks darlin’.  Me too. Thank you.”  Then she disconnected the call and smiled to herself. 

It Is Time To Grow

When external forces bring internal turmoil

Desperation and confusion rule the day

Desires of the heart beat in tandem, stoking the fire

but just what is this puzzle?

Do we give in or fight?

What is better?

What is best?

Where does the answer lie?

Such complexities we cannot absorb

It is beyond our capacity

Yet, slowly, fitfully

the scales are removed

Hearts grow

Souls expand

That piece that once didn't fit

now renders completion

Understanding, peace, and fullness reign 

Copyright 2005 Duane Windell Phillips

The Blind Beggar: Part XIV

Boulos lay on his cot as his mind whirled.  He retraced the feel of Amal’s face and thrilled at the thought.  He had touched his love after so many years.  His heart ached to enjoy her presence in the here and now.  To know she was alive and well was heaven. 

Emotions and thoughts rushed so fast it began to overwhelm him.  Therefore, he concentrated on his surroundings.  In the room, he could hear the hum of the lights overhead.  Then he noticed the sound of a man beginning to snore.  This man snored with a ferocity Boulos wished he was deaf rather than blind. 

Noises came to him from outside.  The window was four cots away.  He could faintly pick out the evening crickets.  Then he noticed a group of people speaking loudly.  Boulos believed it to be a party of some kind.  He imagined a birthday party for he heard the excited voices of children mixed with adult voices.  There was merriment in their sounds. 

A breeze blew in through the window and Boulos caught the faintest hint of rain.  He remembered his uncle often saying that if we wish to see the rainbow, we must have rain.  He suddenly felt melancholy and longed to see a rainbow.  Of course, that would never happen.  Still, Boulos believed he would never see Amal again but he did mere hours ago.  Miracles do happen. 

Boulos sent his spirit to Amal hoping she would hear him.  In his heart and from the bottom of his soul he said to her, “My Amal, you cannot imagine how my spirit soared to finally be with you even for those briefest of moments.  Even now it all seems a dream, my angel.  Oh hear me, my love.  I could never say it when we were young but I have always loved you.  The whole of your life is joy to me.  Oh, that I could see you again.  I hang in this balance.  Seeing you is heaven but now that I’ve seen you, to not be with you is hell.”

He felt tears well up in his eyes.  He rolled over to his side and pulled the sheet up to cover his face.  Boulos continued, “Oh my Amal, my Amal.  In my heart you are always mine.  How I wish that could be so but our lives are on different paths.  To what purpose did God cause our paths to intersect?  I am a shipwrecked man.  I drank brine and I am mad in my desire for more.  Oh God, how can I go on?  Amal, my Amal, please know my heart” 

Amal finished putting the children to bed and went to the kitchen to finish cleaning.  She stopped and closed her eyes for a moment.  She could feel Ali’s touch on her face and she raised her hands to mimic what she felt.  Her fingers danced across her eyes and cheeks.  Again, she felt the thrill of Ali’s touch.  Euphoria leapt in her soul.  Her spirit was no longer confined to her heart but flew through the sky above her flat.  She smiled as her body began to sway to an unheard melody.  A symphony of angelic instruments played and she was in harmony with the tune.

“What are you doing? Her husband called out.

Reality plummeted and crashed down.  Embarrassed and ashamed, Amal looked at her husband but said nothing.  He asked, “Did you not hear me?  What are you doing?”

“I was cleaning the kitchen.”

“No, you were just standing there like a fool with your hands on your face.  What is that all about?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know anything.  Hurry and finish in here.  I want you in bed quickly.”

Faith and Dreams

The ingredients that give

life it's sweet flavor

Both exist only in the

hearts and minds of those

bold enough to have faith

and dream dreams

Neither can be proven in the

physical sense

but it lifts the bold ones

to new heights

Faith and dreams

Mysteries solved and

mountains climbed

They shine light in the

dark hour

Hope in a no-win

situation

The eyes that see the

unseen path

The way to the stars 

Copyright 2005 Duane Windell Phillips

Wind

The air that surrounds our earth has such an important role in every aspect of our lives and yet we never take notice of it.  We can hear wind and see it's affects but we never actually see it.  And yet, without air life ceases.  

Wind can fill your sails and give you power.  You can streak across the horizon with excitement and know that you are going somewhere.  When you are on the montaintops of life the air is behind you.  It is with you.  However, you can have the wind knocked out of you.  You collapse to the ground gasping for life.  You are wounded and wonder how you will carry on.  

More than likely, you have had both types of circumstances in your life.  Perhaps you won a contest, found your love, got an A, or just experienced a triumphant moment with a friend.  The wind is strong and life is all around you.  Or maybe your parents died, you lost your job, your best friend moved, or you lost your love.  Life has been sucked from you and you don't know how you will carry on.  

Whether we are in a desert valley or a peak experience, God breathes life into us.  If you are high, enjoy it while you can.  If you are low, believe that the wind will move you again.  The breeze will sustain you.  Your time will come.  

Nature

Pastoral meadows, strolling rivers

wash over my weariness

I gaze and soak in the beauty around me

Snow capped peaks, glaciers breaking and

crashing into the sea

The visions stir my soul

Swaying branches, gentle breezes

flow across my skin

It wears away my stony shell

Nature transports me to a brighter world

It is such a plastic life I live

So much is man made but

let nature be real and wipe it away

Sandy beaches, waves crashing

over to continue the cycle

Life is more than what I see 

Copyright 2005 Duane Windell Phillips

I See A Day

I see a day when weapons of war cease to exist

and mankind can look each other in the eyes

I see a day when all will enjoy spring in their

hearts and crime will stop because it no longer

has a place in our lives

I see a day when humanity will show genuine love

from the heart and as a means of receiving

I see a day when freedom will rum rampant and

even those ignorant of their slavery will taste the

sweetness of life

I see a day when the word “law” is no longer in

use because each will do what is right concerning

his brother

I see a day when shame and sorrow are

swallowed up along with death and destruction

and they will no longer have victory 

Copyright 2005 Duane Windell Phillips

The Blind Beggar: Part XIII

Two weeks later, Boulos continued to receive regular meals and he rotated bathing at different shelters.  It was clear at this point he would be able to move into a room in a building run by a Christian organization in eight more days.  Also, a Muslim businessman had Boulos help his son sell his wares in a local market. 

Nerves filled Boulos each morning he walked to work but they were less and less each day.  Daily there were stops and starts but Boulos was getting used to a new routine.  For the first time since living with his uncle, Boulos felt purpose in his life.  There was the faintest of glimmers he may actually live and not merely survive. 

Around midday, Daiwik arrived to offer a hot bath and meal after work.  Boulos was happy to accept the offer.  Daiwik promised to return at the end of the day and assist to his house.  Like the last time, the bath was grand and Madhura made a wonderful meal.  As they began the meal, the phone rang.  There was a problem in one of the apartments and Daiwik needed to correct the issue.  After, completing the call, Daiwik said, “I am sorry my friend but I must attend to business.  It should not be long but as you know, I care for this lovely building and sometimes it takes me away for a while.”

“No, no that's fine.  Should I…”

“One moment please, my friend.  I must make a call.”  Boulos then heard him say, “Hello my friend.  I hope you are well.  Yes, I am thank you very much.  May I trouble you to come down and be with my lovely wife for a few minutes while I attend to business in the building?  Thank you very much.”

Then he said to Madhura, “Amal will come be with you, my dear, while I am gone.”

Madhura smiled.  “Thank you.  We can discuss our herb gardens.” 

Amal.  Boulos heard the name and he was briefly transported to a young girl who once held his heart.  Actually, she still held it.  After all the years, simply thinking the name was a pleasant moment. 

Shortly, there was a knock on the door and Daiwik opened it and after a brief greeting, he was gone.  Madhura closed the door.  Then he heard Madhura say, “I arranged for a problem to arise for my husband to fix.  He will not be gone long.  Let me introduce you to Boulos.  Amal, this is Boulos and Boulos, this is Amal.”

Boulos stood and extended his hand.  “It is nice to meet you.”

There was silence in the room and he sensed no movement toward him.  He also sensed emotion but could not understand it.  Then he heard a voice say, “Ali?”  He hadn’t heard that name in too many years.  Something about the voice spoke to him on a level words cannot explain. 

He thought it was the voice of an angel calling him home.  He waited to see the light of heaven but when it didn’t appear he believed it was his mind playing tricks.  Again, her heard, “Ali, is that you?  It’s me Amal.”

His mind raced.  Amal!  Amal? Amal!  It was an angel.  He called out, “Amal?  Amal, is that really you?  My Amal?”

“Yes, my dear sweet Ali.  It is me.”  She took hold of his hand that was out searching for her.  She kissed the callouses on his hand.  It was sheer joy.  It was a sweet balm to his dry soul. 

Excitement rushed through him. “Oh Amal, my Amal.  Let me see you.”  With that, she let him feel her face.  Tingles followed his fingers as Ali felt her nose and eyes.  Then he traced her cheeks, eyebrows and lips.  Amal closed her eyes and was transported to the last time Ali looked at her in this way.  At the time he said his vision was like having a cloth over his head.  He could only see light and shadow.

Finally, Ali said, “Oh my dear Amal.  I’ve missed you so.  You’ve gotten fat.”  Amal playfully hit him on the shoulder like when they were young.  Ali continued as he smiled, “Your life is good, yes?” 

“I am blessed my Ali.  My husband provides for my three children and me.  I have missed you.  Where have you been?”

Boulos explained he had gone to his uncle when Amal married and was about to continue when Madhura interrupted, “Quickly, my husband will return soon.” 

Amal hastened to say to Ali, “Tell no one else of our friendship, please.” 

“I would shout it from the mountains for nothing makes me happier than knowing you but if you wish it my Amal, I will take it to my grave.”

With that, Daiwik returned.  He said laughingly, “I am back my lovely wife and dear friends.  It was a false alarm.  Amal, my friend, thank you for being with my dear wife.  And you met our friend Boulos?”

“Yes, I did meet him.  It was a pleasure.”

When Boulos heard Amal leave the room, he willed his spirit to hers.  He told her of his undying love for her.  With every fiber of his being he wanted her to know how much it hurt to leave when she married but he saw no other way.  Oh would she hear him?  He could never interfere with her happiness.  He wanted her to have the life he could never give.  Though it broke his heart, he loved her enough to let her go. 

Life is a Gift but it Cannot be Neatly Packaged

I am the last of the Baby Boomers.  Honestly, I’ve never considered myself one but, based on when I was born, that’s who I am.  (I missed being a Gen Xer by a few weeks.)  I have four kids of my own and they are Millennials.  I love my kids but I have noticed things with that generation that makes me wonder about their future.  Please know I realize there are exceptions to everything I’m about to say.

First, they grew up getting rewarded just for showing up.  I never liked the thought of giving participation trophies unless there were also awards for most improved or MVP.  If we aren’t challenged to be better than the one next to us, we never will.  I’m not saying we should be competitive in all we do but it has been said iron sharpens iron.  We are strengthened by those around us.  I believe we are ultimately weakened by lack of challenge in life. 

Second, too many kids have parents who do everything for them.  This dovetails into what I noted above.  When someone continually runs interference for you, how do you learn coping skills?  When parents continually limit real world exposure to their kids, they grow up not knowing what life really is.  By saying real world exposure, I mean easy things like allowing kids to climb trees, use tools or simply wrecking their bike.  Life is out there.  Parents do no help for their kids if they always protect them from it.  They should caringly, lovingly allow children to explore their world and even to learn they can be hurt while they are in it.  Children must learn coping skills and that is only done when life challenges them to do so.

Third, Millennials are the generation that has been repeatedly told they can do whatever they want in life.  Many of them want to make a difference.  This is great.  I hope and pray they make every difference in this world for the good and benefit of all mankind.  I also hope they don’t get discouraged whenever they feel like they aren’t making an impact.  They are used to instant gratification.  Making a difference doesn’t always come easily or quickly. You have to keep plugging away.  You fail when you stop.  This leads me to my last point.

There are no guarantees in life.  Just because you pour your heart and soul into something doesn’t mean you will be successful.  We are currently in the NFL playoffs.  There are 8 teams left and 24 of them are already disappointed.  More teams will be disappointed soon.  On the road of human existence, there are floods, earthquakes, forest fires, hurricanes, divorce, cancer, abandonment, death etc. 

We want to believe we are different and the laws of nature don’t apply to us.  Tell that to the countless numbers of people through human existence lost to wars, disease and accidents.  Each of them had the potential to leave an awesome mark on this blue planet.  For whatever reason, they never got the chance.  Too many people with wonderful dreams couldn’t pursue them because they first had to survive slavery, the Great Depression, genocide or Aleppo. 

Yes, you can do anything you want in this world.  You have amazing potential.  We must remember life is a gift but it cannot be neatly packaged. 

The Blind Beggar: Part XII

The door to the elevator opened. Amal’s children exited and started walking but Amal was planted where she stood.  After a couple steps the kids realized their mother wasn’t behind them.  When they turned to see where she was, they instantly recognized fear in her eyes.  The two oldest boys laughed.  “Mom, don’t be afraid.  He’s not going to hurt you.”  Amal could only shake her head slowly. 


Adeline said as she reached for her mother’s hand, “Mama, don’t be afraid.  Mr. Daiwik is there.  The blind man isn’t bad, you’ll see.” 


Slowly Amal stepped forward.  Her daughter’s gentleness soothed her soul and she felt strength returning.  Still, she knew she could not reveal she knew Ali when she was a child.  Due to their young ages, the children might like the idea.  Her husband would not be pleased. 


When they reached the door, it was expected for Amal to ring the doorbell.  Her arms wouldn’t move.  She prompted Adeline to do it and she cheerfully reached up and pressed the button. 


Madhura answered the door and, upon seeing Amal and the children, greeted them with a warm smile.  Amal was mute.  The oldest son spoke up saying respectfully, “If it is possible, we would like to meet the blind man, please.”


“Oh, I am so sorry but he and Daiwik left about 30 minutes ago.  Daiwik wanted to ensure he safely reached the place he will stay tonight.”


Dejected, Adeline asked, “So he isn’t here?”


“No, my sweet little one but don’t worry, you will meet him soon enough.”


Relief washed over Amal and caused her eyes to flood with tears.  Madhura saw this and quickly sent the children to their apartment before they saw their mother crying.  Madhura led Amal by the hand to a chair and had her sit and then went to the kitchen to make some tea.  As the water heated, she returned and sat next to Amal.  They sat in silence for a few moments. Finally, Madhura asked, “What is it with Boulos that stirs you so?  Do you know him?”


Amal nodded absentmindedly.  Then, haltingly, Amal explained she knew an orphan boy.  She mentioned how she brought him food and the two became close friends.  She briefly described the fire accident that left him with the burns on his face and seemed to be the catalyst for his blindness.  She was certain this blind man was her childhood friend. 


Madhura considered this information for a moment.  Then she asked. “Did you love him?”


Amal was shocked by the question and abruptly turned to Madhura but said nothing.  Her mind raced for the best answer.  She didn’t want to give away this information but didn’t think a complete lie would suffice with the manner in which she acted.  Finally, she said, “I suppose.  As much as any child can love another.” 


“Why are you are afraid to see him?”


“What if my family finds out I once knew him?  What if he doesn’t remember me?”


“How could he ever forget a lovely flower such as you?  I will ensure you will meet Boulos in privacy.  You leave that to me.  It will be our secret.”

The Blind Beggar: Part XI

Throughout the evening meal, Amal was distracted.  Her love was mere feet from her arms.  The thought boggled her mind.  Everything within her screamed to go and see him.  She could see herself rising from the table and leaving their home without a word.  She would go to Daiwik’s apartment and knock on the door.  Once the door opened, she would say, “I’d like to see your visitor.”

Would Ali recognize her voice?  Probably not.  She go to his side and say, “Ali, it is me, Amal.”  Surely, he would remember.  He had to remember the love they shared before her father had her marry another. 

“Amal, what is the matter with you?”  Her husband interrupted her daydream. 

“What?”

“What’s the matter?  You sit there picking at your food and the children and I speak to you and your ignore us.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.  I went to Madhura earlier to get some herbs and…”  She stopped herself.  She nearly blurted out Ali was there.  They would question who Ali was.  Then she’d be forced to explain she knew him before.  She simply could not do that. 

Her husband prompted, “And?”

The wheels of her mind churned.  What should she say?  She continued, “And the blind man was there.”

“In their apartment?  Why was he there?”

“Madhura said Daiwik had him come there to bathe.”

“Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know.  I didn’t ask.  He was being kind.  He is a kind man, you know that.”

“I know he is a strange man.  Who is so nice all the time?”

Amal ignored the remark though it made her angry.  While she was silent, Adeline, the youngest child, spoke up.  “May I go see the blind man?”  Then the other two children expressed their interest in seeing him also.  Amal winched.  Ali was not an animal at the zoo.  He was a man with a tender heart who had lived a hard life.  He deserved dignity. 

Amal’s husband spoke, “Sure, why don’t you go see the blind man.  Your mother will take you.”  Amal glared at her plate for a moment.  Could she see Ali and not be moved?  How could she help but not reveal everything?

The Blind Beggar: Part X

Daiwik led Boulos by the arm down the street to his home.  As usual, he greeted acquaintances along the way.  For the briefest of moments, Boulos hesitated about going with the stranger who offered him a chance to bathe.  He had lived on the streets before and few people were trustworthy.  Who would offer their own home to a blind man who hadn’t washed in nearly three weeks? 

There was something about the spirit of Daiwik that led Boulos to trust him.  The man exuded kindness.  He also looked forward to being clean again.  If he could get clean clothes as Daiwik suggested, his day would be complete.  Daiwik interrupted Boulos’s thoughts, “We are nearly there, my friend.  My wife has the facilities ready for you.  You will have plenty of hot water and you may relax as you clean yourself.  We have towels to dry yourself and a robe to wear while we determine what clothes will fit you.”

“Your kindness is overwhelming.  I can never repay you.”

“There is no repayment needed, my friend.  For me, to do this is the right thing to do.”

“I only hope I can do something nice for you some day.”

Daiwik called to his wife when he opened the door to his apartment.  ”Madhura, I have Mr. Boulos with me.  All is ready for him?”

Stepping from the bathroom and toward her husband and Boulos, Madhura said, “Yes, all is ready.”  Then she appraised the blind man before her.  She felt the urge to extend her hand in a greeting but remembered he wouldn’t see it.  Instead, Daiwik said, “Madhura, my dear wife, this is Boulos.  Boulos, this is my sweetheart, Madhura.” 

Boulos extended his hand, “It is a pleasure to meet you.  Thank you very much for your kindness to me today.”

“It is our pleasure to serve you.”  She eyed Boulos again and said to her husband, “Yes, I believe Dilip’s clothes will fit him.”

“Yes, that is what I thought.  Come with me, my friend.  The bath is this way.”

Daiwik took the time to allow Boulos to touch and feel where everything was in the bath.  Then he said with a laugh and smile, “I trust you know what you are doing from here.”

Boulos smiled, “Yes, I can handle everything myself.”

“Very well, my friend.  You take your time and enjoy your bath.  Now I will get clothes for you.  My dear Madhura, is preparing a wonderful dinner for us and we will eat later.” 

As Boulos let water run and felt the temperature, emotions swept over him.  The kindness of this couple deeply moved him.  The years of living with his uncle were joy to his heart.  His heart broke the day his uncle died and again the day he left for the city.  Circumstances were such Boulos knew he would never have peace with his family. 

He contemplated the hardness of his heart and tough exterior when living on the streets as a child.  He felt he would need to call on that toughness again.  Little did he know how quickly it would be needed.  When he was robbed and beaten at the bus station, a great fear overcame him.  With shouts of laughter, the young men left him bleeding and afraid but he was not broken.  A deep, familiar anger rose in him.  Perhaps it was the fire that kept him going as a boy.  In spite of the troubles that accompanied him as a young man, he was determined to keep moving forward.  He wouldn’t let life beat him. 

Still, walls are regularly breached.  Daiwik climbed Boulos’s wall and poured balm on his wounded spirit.  The dryness his heart felt was soothed by these acts of kindness.  Boulos wept bitterly, mixing tears with bathwater.  He was pleased the running water drowned out his cries.  The love of his life, Amal, also got passed his wall.  He gave his heart to her.  He loved her.  He never stopped loving her.  Perhaps it was love that actually moved him forward.

There was relief in Boulos’s heart when the water was shut off.  Though he guarded against the thought, Boulos couldn’t help but think his life was about to change for the good.  What that could possibly be, he had no idea. 

In her kitchen two floors above the bathing Boulos, Amal was preparing supper while helping her children with their school work.  She remembered she was nearly out of an herb needed for the evening meal.  She decided to visit Madhura to see if her herb garden had what she needed. 

Boulos heard the front door open and then muted female voices in the next room as he dried himself and put on the robe.  He could understand little of the conversation due to the soft voices of the ladies.  He decided to wait until the visitor left before exiting the wash room.

Back in her kitchen with her herbs, Amal could barely contain herself.  Madhura stated the blind man was in the house bathing.  How could it be so her Ali was in the same building?  Even as children, Ali had never been in the building where she lived.  Now he was so close.  Her heart ached to see Ali.  Her heart burned to be in his arms.  Could it ever happen?