Doctors and nurses were milling about as busy bees. It never failed to surprise her how diligently they worked, always on their toes for their patients. If her mother had been here, she would have said, ‘Doctors are Gods on our land, you must respect them’. Her memory stays now, as do her teachings.

She traced the familiar path to room number 84. “Hey, Dad.” She peeked in. He smiled and it was enough of a sign for her to enter. She placed a frame on the nightstand– a young picture of him, laughing as he flew kites with his friends. The doctors didn’t promise her anything, but she hoped against hope, that he’d be alright.

“Could you get me the pot here?” he whispered in his feeble voice.

She was staggered to find the peonies she had planted in his balcony, fresh as ever. She wondered if his nurse tended to it. Carefully picking up the pot of flowers that were her father’s favorites – symbols of wellness, prosperity and honor – she walked towards his bedside.

Plucking out a peony, he held it out to her.

“My time’s up, darling. Your mother said God saves but well, here I am, having to leave my little girl all alone. You’ve always been the one that brought me honor and now, I surrender my honor to you for safekeeping. You’ll take care of it, won’t you?”

Her lips quivered; eyes shut, blocking tears that threatened to spill. She clasped his scarred hands in her warm ones.

“I know the situation is not as good as we anticipated, but Dad, hear me once. There is something so much more powerful than us, than the world. The eye that sees all. You just need to believe in it the way you believe in me.”

The nurse entered, signaling her time up. She sniffled and took the peony from her father’s hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, pecking his forehead.

As she turned, he saw her silhouette against the blinding light of the corridor.

He looked at his hands. The scars were gone.

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    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Welcome to voice club, Aanchal. Your first story is very moving and powerful. I love the phrase, ” Hoped against hope” – it resonated with me. Your story is proof that faith makes a miracle. Well done. Keep on writing!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Aanchal Saraf
    1 year ago

    You are welcome, Aanchal. Keep on writing!

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    Welcome to Voice.club Aanchal. Your story is beautiful and sensitively written. You should definitely continue with your writing, you have a mature voice for your age and a real gift for storytelling. Very nicely done!

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    Welcome to Voice.Club Aanchal. I want to encourage you to keep writing. I realize it is cliched, but “practice makes perfect.” I believe the word “all right” is two words, but is frequently misspelt.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    Reply to  Margarida Brei
    1 year ago

    I may be mistaken, but I believe alright is a perfectly acceptable word and used in the correct context in the story.

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    1 year ago

    A beautiful, heartwarming story, Aanchal. You have me believing, too  ?  Well done and welcome!

    Grace Bennet
    Grace Bennet(@grace-bennet)
    1 year ago

    This is beautiful! Wonder how someone so young as you could write this. I assume you’re very spiritually inclined.

    Melissa Edge
    Melissa Edge(@melissa-edge)
    1 year ago

    Wow very nice

    Riddhima Dey
    Riddhima Dey(@riddhima-dey)
    1 year ago

    This short story reminded me of the magical quote, “Paciencia y Fé”. Great Job Aanchal, this was truly heartwarming.

    Aneesha Roy
    Aneesha Roy(@aneesha-roy)
    1 year ago

    Boldly delicate.

    Naqiyyah Calcuttawala
    Naqiyyah Calcuttawala(@naqiyyah-calcuttawala)
    1 year ago

    Absolutely adore this piece Aanchal! Heartfelt.

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