Peace

     The first thing that caught his eye was the sun. It's been so long since he has been out in the sun. There was a golden, gentle glow that encompassed everything around. And its balmy warmth on his skin was so pleasant. There were no clouds in the sky of the purest azure. It occurred to him that he has never seen such a bright, blue sky before. Pigeons floated ethereally above, in the relative distance, white, gracious, slowly moving their wings of plumes that looked impossibly soft. Were they pigeons or angels?

     He started to walk, hesitantly at first, but suddenly, he realized that his legs were strong, vigorous, and he was no longer afraid of walking. In fact, he was delighted by the fact that he could walk again, stepping firmly and confidently on the ground covered by lush green grass. Looking around, he saw wheat fields in the distance, undulating under the breeze, peaceful as those of his childhood, when he used to run joyfully through their golden rows.

     He noticed that now he was passing through dense bushes in which flowers of all colors grew in profusion. He crouched down to pick one of them. It was so fragrant! But what surprised him most was his agility. It was so easy to move to pick the flower! He felt its perfume again, breathing deeply, letting the air fill his lungs. He felt so well and in good form, sturdy. He looked at the flower of a delicate yellow, and it was when he saw it… His hands. They were no longer bony and wrinkled. They were young, firm, healthy hands. As beautiful as the flower.

     Amazed and feeling deeply at peace, a peace like he’s never felt before, he kept walking, dazzled by all the details, savoring each moment. He listened to the low murmur of water, and soon enough he was passing by a waterfall. He took his time to contemplate the frothy water which ran between the rocks into a crystal clear pond. Getting closer, he wet his feet on the margin, enjoying the freshness of the water, allowing all his senses to be soothed by the beauty and tranquillity around. He kept walking, then, with agility but, at the same time, slowly. There was no hurry for anything. Everything was inviting there.

     It was then that he saw her. She was waving lightly at him, standing by a leafy tree. She looked familiar. She was young, beautiful, full of life. He felt like giving her the flower. The flower he held with admirable firmness in his hand. With determined but calm steps, he kept going as she smiled and waved at him. He gave her the flower, and also smiled when she took it and their hands touched.

     It was his beloved Conceição.