The Blind Beggar: Part V

After the funeral of his uncle, Boulos feared being told to leave but his cousins wanted him to stay.  With relief, he promised to care for the home as if it was his own.  After a week, one cousin and his family moved into the house with him.  Everyone was kind to Boulos except his cousin’s wife.

She pretended to be nice but tormented Boulos when no one was around.  She loved moving pieces of furniture in the house which caused Boulos to trip and fall.  Also, when no one else was around, she made faces at him and mocked him.  Inwardly, she wished evil on him. 

Though he could not see her actions, Boulos could feel her attitude toward him.  Her children also sensed her feelings and soon began making life difficult for Boulos.  He felt it all was bearable until his cousin followed in the steps of his family.  Soon, Boulos felt the need to leave.  He wished for better circumstances but felt trapped.  How could he live alone with no means to live?  In the house, he had security, shelter and food, but felt no love.  For the first time in many years, he longed for the comfort and friendship of Amal.  Her caring spirit and kindness were cornerstones to surviving his years on the streets.  Had she not been there when his blindness overcame him, Boulos was certain he would have given up and died.  He began to see Amal in his mind’s eye.  She would forever be a sweet, carefree girl of 15.

He remembered their last time together.  It was the day before her wedding.  As usual, she brought him a plate of food and the two of them quietly enjoyed the sunset.  Amal described the sunset with only a few high wispy clouds.  There was a cool northwesterly breeze that carried the aroma of fish from the port. 

Amal granted permission to see her.  Only Boulos knew it would be for the last time.  As his fingers felt and saw her face, he consciously made the effort to pour his feelings into each touch.  With his hands Boulos thanked Amal for her kindness over the years.  He told her of his undying love for her.  He said he understood he could never give her the life she deserved.  Though they would never have a life together, he would forever treasure her.  All of his life, she would be his Amal.  Boulos felt the wetness of her tears.  Did she feel his thoughts?  He would never know for they were left unsaid. 

It was the next day he began walking south to find his uncle.  Amal was left to wonder what had happened to the young man who held her heart.  Not seeing him at the wedding was understandable.  He was not invited.  With a broken heart she faced life as a married woman.  The bitterness in her soul lingered and she felt she would never again feel happiness.  Then she bore her first child. 

Holding him for the first time, she remembered the night she realized she would never again feel joy unless she made it.  Through her son, she made joy.  It was a thought she treasured with the birth of each child.  They were her joy and she made them.  She brought joy into the world.