A Place to Rest the Soul

Sana chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you," she said, her smile lighting up like the lantern's glow on an Akhasrgar night. Amid the warmth of the food and their simple conversation, they both felt that this small eatery was more than just a stopover; it was a space to understand that while the past might be dark, the future always holds the potential for light.

After enjoying the delicious sushi, the atmosphere in the eatery grew even more serene. Nico and Sana stepped outside, letting the fresh night air greet their faces. The streets they walked were quiet, accompanied only by the sound of their footsteps and the rustle of leaves in the wind. The silence wasn't empty; it was a space where their thoughts flowed freely, like a river finding its own path.

"Finally, in my 40s, I can feel this kind of happiness," Sana said, a gentle smile gracing her face. Her eyes glistened, reflecting the dim streetlights, as though she realized the significance of this moment. There was peace in her voice, as if each word was the result of a long, winding journey.

Arga, walking beside her, nodded slowly. "If only I'd finished my medical studies back then… If only I hadn't married young… If only I hadn't been caught up in Kevin's foolishness…" His voice dropped, almost a whisper swallowed by the night wind. There was bitterness in his tone, but also a hint of relief that he could finally say it. "Maybe I could've felt this happiness sooner."

Sana stopped for a moment, bowing her head. The night breeze gently swept through her loose hair. "But all of that is part of God's mystery. What has happened, let it be. My life ended at one point, only to start anew in a different place," she said, her voice deep and full of meaning. Her words hung in the air, giving Arga a moment to process them.

Nico, who had been quietly listening, smiled faintly. "I don't really believe in fate or God," he said slowly, his eyes gazing far ahead. "But maybe this time, I'll believe just a little." His tone was light, yet there was something different in it—a flicker of newfound conviction, even if he hadn't fully realized it yet.

That night, Nico and Sana walked in simple happiness. Their steps blended with the stillness of the night, as if time slowed down to give them room to breathe. But on the other side of the small village nestled in the mountain valley, a different life was unfolding.

The village was home to about fifty people—farmers and herders who lived like one big family. That night, they gathered in the village's wide courtyard, under the old banyan tree that served as their communal center. Laughter and stories filled the air, creating a warmth that was hard to describe. Children ran around while the elders sat on wooden benches, savoring the warm drinks they had made together.

The night sky was so clear, studded with stars like diamonds scattered across a black velvet cloth. The valley's breeze carried the scent of grass and damp earth, enveloping the village in a rare tranquility. Arga and Ningning sat in one corner, sharing quiet laughter while gazing at the sky.

"A view like this," Ningning said, her voice soft yet full of emotion, "is hard to find anywhere else."

Arga nodded in agreement. "There's magic in simplicity. Life here may not be easy, but I think they're happier than most people in big cities."

The night wore on, but the spirit and warmth remained. Amid the valley's silence, life flowed—simple yet full of meaning. That night, in two different places, two stories of hope and peace unfolded side by side, like two rivers eventually meeting in the vast ocean.

Arga lay on the ground near Ningning and Dery, letting the silence of the night lull them to sleep. The soft crackle of the dwindling campfire complemented the harmony of nature, creating a sense of peace that was hard to find elsewhere.

"Arga, maybe Nico and Sana are worried about you right now. They're probably thinking I kidnapped you and sold you off," Ningning said, half-joking, attempting to break the silence.

Arga gave a small smile, then chuckled lightly. "I don't think so. In fact, they're probably having a great time tonight without me."

Dery, who had been listening to the conversation, joined in with enthusiasm. "Tomorrow morning, we're taking the harvest to the supply center at the Kashgar city market. But before that, I want to show you something really interesting. I'm sure you'll love it. It'll boost your mood a thousand percent!" he said, brimming with excitement.

Arga looked at Dery, curiosity beginning to pique his interest. "I'm intrigued, Dery. Before we leave, make sure to take me around to see it."

Their conversation ended with light laughter, and eventually, everyone drifted off to sleep, lying in the open field with tired bodies but light hearts.

The next morning, the sunlight gradually filtered through the leaves, bathing the small village in a golden glow. Morning dew still clung to the leaves, reflecting sunlight like tiny diamonds. The morning air was fresh, carrying the soothing scent of damp earth.

Dery, Arga, and Ningning walked together along a narrow path that cut through the valley. Their steps were accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds. Along the way, Ningning pointed to an orange tree laden with bright yellow fruit.

"Look at those fruits!" Ningning exclaimed excitedly. She hopped closer to the tree, deftly plucking an orange. Its aroma immediately filled the morning air. "This feels like something out of a movie! I didn't know oranges could look so perfect in the wild."

Dery chuckled softly, enjoying Ningning's enthusiasm. "Wait until you taste it. The oranges here are sweet with a hint of tartness – perfect for lifting your spirits."

Nearby, a mango tree with red, tempting fruits hung low. Ningning ran toward it, her eyes sparkling like a child discovering hidden treasure.

"This reminds me of a tree in my grandmother's village. I loved it so much!" she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. She jumped up, trying to reach one of the fruits, but the tree's height made it difficult.