The power of faith

It was a usual Sunday morning. Apart from the fact that it was the longest day of the year. Everyone in the ancient town of Kanoa'i was excited about the evening ceremony. The little streets of the settlement were filled with joyful people, preparing for the big summer event.

The Kalani family had a tradition for this special night. Every year when their father got home from work, after lunch they went out to the shore of the nearby lake and spent the whole afternoon there. When the time finally came and the sun started to set, the parents gathered the kids and the Kalanis said grace together for the long, productive day, asking their gods for further fortune and wealth.

"Mom, do you know what day it is?" - Makani asked his mother.

"No, unfortunately I have no idea. Can you remind me what special occasion is today?" - his mother wondered with a slight sarcasm in her voice.

"It's summer solstice, mom!" - shouted Nalu - "When are we going to the shore to watch the sunset?"

"Soon, but first we have breakfast, okay?" - she answered with barely noticeable tears in her eyes.

Nalu was blind. She lost her sight when she was five. Ever since it was a real emotional torture for her mother to see her only daughter disabled.

A few years ago a cruel epidemic swept through the little town, causing many deaths and taking others' health. The family got through the hard times, however it cost Nalu's ability to see and a lot of desperate and sleepless nights. After that the parents tried their best to find a doctor and cure their daughter, but they couldn't do much.

"Alright, let's eat, then we can pack up and go" - their father broke the silent moment while walking into the kitchen.

The Kalanis ate up quickly all the food from the table. They were hungry, because they weren't the wealthiest people in the town. In spite of that they never missed to pray before a meal or at the beginning and end of the day. They were simply grateful to be alive and healthy.

The day passed quickly and in no time the family was back together again. They wrapped up their dinner and got going. The way to the lake was quite a long trip, especially for the kids, but it only took half an hour to get to the destination.

And after a quick dinner the awaited time finally came. The sun was setting, getting lower and lower on the horizon, reflecting in the water. The lake served as a huge mirror with the growing orange ball in it.

The Kalanis were about to sit down, when their mother suddenly exclaimed.

"Where is Nalu??!!"

"I don't know, she was eating dinner with us just a few minutes ago..." - Makani answered.

They immediately started to look for the little girl, but there was nothing to worry about, because after some seconds she appeared again in front of the family.

Her mother ran to her and checked if she got hurt. However Nalu was completely fine.

"How many times have I told you to stay with us? Nature is wild!"

But the girl wasn't listening to any of her mother's words. She seemed to be mesmerized.

"Look mama, it's beautiful!" - she said with sparkling eyes.

Her mother turned around, but as soon as she realized what her daughter just said, she looked back right away and stared at her with a shocked expression on her face.

"Don't cry, Mom, there's no reason to cry..."

"I'm not crying" - her mother whispered while her tears were flowing. - "These are tears of joy"

"Mom, I can see you!" - said the girl with a little confusion in her voice.

"Yes" - her mother nodded her head.

At this point Nalu couldn't hold her tears back either.

"I wanted to see this sunset so bad! It was my only wish! My only one wish, Mom!" - she cried.

"I know, dear!"

Then her mother looked at the darkening sky and whispered two words:

"Thank you!"