The River of Heaven

      Hope, faith, and humanity were certainly the main reason for humans to be strong, and to face the pain that lived in their soul. They found hope in places they never expected it.

 

 

 Salina entered her superior’s office, and she explained her idea to him cautiously. He listened to her opinion carefully. He looked at her uncertain about her story. Her fame had made her proud and conceited, so mistakes could destroy her confidence.

 

 

She told him, “Who would not read a story about this family? They are living far away from any civilization, and they have a little girl. Which kind of people would keep their daughter away from the society? “

 

He looked at her and replied, “You have one week to come back with a great story, but remember some stories can touch your heart, while other make you wonder. I am sure those people have a good reason for living wage in that place.”

 

“I will establish the truth out, and I will share my mysterious story.” she said.

 

     Salina was on her way to the ranch, which exists up in the mountain. She was thinking about that family. She was going to find their secrets, traditions and their mores. 

 

On her way, she saw a spectacle view. It has been long time, since she went outside the city. She was speechless by the myriad mountains that being reflected in the water. The mists were rising from the river, and it was merging with the white clouds.

 

   Afternoon, she reached to the farm. She stopped her car, and she headed to the entrance. She saw a little girl was sitting on the stairs, and she was holding a kitten in her hands.

Salina looked traumatized. The little girl was wearing a white gown. Her big eyes were shining like blue crystals. The sun light made her looked like an angel.

 

The little girl stopped suddenly, and looked at Salina. She was surprised, and confused.

 

“Hello. Can I help you?  Are you lost? ” the little girl said.

 

Salina answered her, “Thank you for your question, but I am not lost. I am a reporter, and I am writing an article about this place.”

 

Layla replied,” Reporter, It is a nice job. You can travel everywhere, and you can learn new information about places that excited you.

 

Layla hesitated for second, and then she introduced herself to Salina.

 

“My name is Layla.”  She said, “What is your name?”

 

Salina stood near Layla on the steps and said, “I am Salina. This is a nice place.”

 

 Layla’s mother came out smiling and said,” Hello. I am sorry, but we were not expecting any visitors. Come inside and have a seat.”

 

Salina answered while she was apologizing, “I am sorry to disturb you.  My name is Salina, and I am writing an article about this place, so I am wondering if I can talk with you about your life, and your traditions.”

 

Laila’s mother looked at Salina and said, “There is nothing different about us. We are living a normal life here, and we are happy away from the city.”

 

“What about your daughter, Is she happy away from civilization?” Salina looked not convinced about the woman words.

 

Layla’s mother answered Salina, “We lived in the city for two years, but Layla was not happy there. We came back from one year, and now she has everything she wants. It is her home.”

 

Lela’s mother was looking sad when she looked toward her daughter. Salina did not understand what was wrong in that scene. Instead, she looked at Layla, and tried to know her opinion about living in the mountains, and what were her favorite things in there.

 

“Can you tell me why you are living here? What is the most beautiful thing about this place?” Salina said.

 

Laila answered her, “Did you see our land here? It is perfect. In the morning, you can hear the river’s water running, and its colors would change due to the play of light, wind and the clouds. I called it the river of heaven. You can see the long tall trees turns to brown in dry seasons. The wonderful collection of flowers grows everywhere, while the butterflies fly between them. It is heaven on earth. It is our enchanted land. If you close your eyes tight, and you released your imagination, you would see it all.”

 

“It is a charming place. Are you missing your friends and your school?” Salina said.

 

Layla looked toward Salina, and she gave her a faint smile. Salina looked into Layla’s sad eyes.

 

“Of course, I am missing my friends, and my school, but it is the best solution.” She answered her.

 

Layla’s mother said, “We are living in the heart of nature, where we find our true heritage. It is a healthy place. Miracles are happening in this place”

 

 Salina looked at Layla and said, “You know that you can go back to your school. You should be with your friends studying and living your life. You are very young to live alone.”

 

“In the city, I will be sick again, and I will be having a strong medication. My parents would be very sad. The medicine makes me very weak.” Layla replied.

 

 Salina became still from anticipation. What she heard was impossible.

 

Salina replied, “What are you talking about?

 

 She looked terrified, and she could not hold her tears. Everything had change, and became clear. Salina realized that her story reached to a different conclusion.

 

Layla’s mother said, “We left the city because the doctor informed us that Layla was very sick. She has blood cancer, and she has only two months to live.”

 

Layla said, “He told us this from one year.”Then she smiled to Salina.

 

     After six months, Salina was standing near the river, and she remembered Layla’s word.

 

“If you close your eyes, you can see heaven. That is why I called it the river of heaven. ” her tears burned her face.