It was with a sigh of relief that he entered the warm, dry and quiet shuttle bus and sat down on a seat. The ice-cold, windy and rainy morning had chilled him to the bones.
While waiting for his flight at Stockholm airport, a memory from the morning came back to his mind. His wife had aggressively insisted that he behaved egotistically, leaving her alone for eight days and spending money on something “totally senseless.” When her regular coldness turned into contempt, he fled to the taxi waiting outside.
*
In northern Spain, spring was approaching with mild air and a high, blue sky. The course center was a serene, monastery-like building, in front of which a huge cherry tree stretched its branches, full of little pink buds.
Next morning was warm and sunny. A varied breakfast was served before the first meeting. He sat down at a table by himself with the wholesome, organic food, again wondering what on earth he expected to find at a spiritual retreat.
The dining hall had almost filled up with course students, when two women suddenly recognized each other across the room. With a happy scream they stood up, flew across the floor and joined in a long, warm and tender embrace.

Buds have an instinct that tells them when it’s time to let go of their resistance, open up and transform into flowers. It happens when they have received enough nutrients from a warming sun.

Witnessing the act of love joining with happiness overwhelmed him. He ran outside, where the cherry tree became his refuge. Without noticing that its flowers now were in full bloom, he sat down under it, allowing himself to cry as he hadn’t cried since he was a little child. Years of emotional loneliness, strain and suppressed emotions washed out of him in a flood of tears.
*
It was already past time time for class when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. As he looked up, he saw his teacher, smiling and nodding, whispering, “You have come to the right place, my friend.”

0 0 votes
Post Rating
16 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Voice-Team
Voice-Team(@voice-team)
Admin
2 years ago

A very visual and heart-felt story of the search for meaning. The budding of emotion and the blossoming cherry tree mirror each other memorably.    

Eric Radcliffe
Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
2 years ago

Christer, what a soft and tender story this is. I felt the story slowly unwrapping, till it reveals a real person. I can’t express how wonderfully written this is Christer, 10 out of 10.

Dipayan Chakrabarti
Dipayan Chakrabarti(@dipayan-chakrabarti)
2 years ago

Your story has a strong, soothing effect. Nice job, Christer!

Dipayan Chakrabarti
Dipayan Chakrabarti(@dipayan-chakrabarti)
Reply to  Christer Norrlof
2 years ago

You’re welcome, Christer.

Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
2 years ago

How many of us live in loneliness Christer until something as simple as witnessing an act of friendship or love awakens what is missing in our lives. I felt those rush of tears under the cherry tree and the release they brought. And I loved the last line. Beautifully written.

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
2 years ago

I felt such relief when he let go of his loneliness, strain and suppressed emotions. And, hope that he will continue to move forward. A story sure to connect with anyone who feels that something is missing. Well done!

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
2 years ago

Christer, I wish that I could cry like a flood of tears to wash out all my loneliness, problems, and worries like your protagonist. I wish there is also a cherry tree to be my refugee while crying. I want all my burdens gone and replace it all with happiness and contentment. Congratulations on your well-written piece.

Last edited 2 years ago by Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Christer Norrlof
2 years ago

Thank you so much, Christer. Your words mean a lot to me, I will do all your advice tonight. Your knowledge is incomparable, and your kindness is immeasurable. Thank you again.

Fuji
Fuji(@fuji)
2 years ago

Wow, Christer, I didn’t get the title reference. I had certainly heard of the Paul Newman movie, although I don’t think I ever watched it. Hopefully I can find it on Amazon Prime tonight! I loved your title, even though I didn’t get the association, and thought it was very appropriate for the story. It’s memorable in its own way, although I might not be able to quote it word for word!!

Recent Comments

16
0
Selected Authors may submit comments (5 Credits)x
()
x
Scroll to Top

Sharing a Post

Why do my friends need to SignIn to read the post I shared?

Actually, this is a voting security feature. During public voting, only club members can read posts submitted for that contest. Since anyone reading the story is able to vote (click the Like button), we reserve these capabilities to members who SignIn. Before we implemented this security feature, people were voting multiple times and making the public voting process unfair and out of balance. To fix this, our staff finally decided to allow only members who SignIn to read the stories. Membership is free and easy, and ensures our club is safe, secure, and family-friendly!