Joseph’s Soup

Once, as I sat near the bustling grocer's market, a vibrant scene unfolded before me. Amid her circle of friends, there she stood - an enchanting Asian beauty. Her slanted eyes sparkled with a captivating allure, drawing me closer. A cascade of lustrous, ebony hair flowed down her back, framing her delicate features. She envisioned loveliness, while I, a mere spectre, felt insignificant in her radiant presence. After that faintest moment, she slipped away from my sight, leaving me to ponder her whereabouts for an eternity.

***

I had always been an outcast, shunned by others. When, what feels like eons ago, my marriage crumbled, I left everything behind and search for better fortunes elsewhere. My father, a devout follower of the Russian Orthodox faith, saw the world through the lens of the Caspian Sea. I, however, aimed to broaden my horizons, pushing the boundaries of my existence.

My crusade began in the vast landscapes of Kazakhstan, stretching out before me like a canvas of untamed beauty. From there, it took me to the hidden corners of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Countries that lay far beyond the reaches of typical vacation plans.

As I explored these landlocked nations, I sailed into a whole new world. There was no sea in sight, but with the spirit of exploration as my guide, I never feared hunger. In these unfamiliar lands, I discovered an incredible ability to enjoy every bite, finding sustenance even in the most unconventional dishes.

The weather was unrelenting in its ferocity. But I, with an unwavering determination, sought shelter amidst the golden fields of wheat or beneath the protective canopy of a forest. It was in these moments that I truly understood the resilience of the human spirit.

Not every human interaction could compare to the serene beauty of the landscape. Along my journey, I crossed paths with individuals who held beliefs as opposed to my own. This clash of ideologies tested the very core of my being. As I continued to navigate this translucent existence, people did not always base their judgments on personal animosity. Instead, cultural and familial beliefs often shaped them, creating a tapestry of complexity that coloured the interactions I had along the way.

On the open road, amidst the vast expanse, I found relief in the kindness of fellow humans. Those moments of restless turmoil, when tranquillity eluded my mind, I sought refuge in the warm glow emanating from a stranger's dwelling. It had to be one that stood alone, secluded enough to assure me that the inhabitants, weary of their own isolation, would embrace my presence with open hearts. And more often than not, my intuition served me well, predicting the best of outcomes. Yet, to my dismay, my foresight faltered in anticipating the worst.

In one of the desolate houses, nestled amidst eerie silence, soldiers lingered. I stepped inside, my intentions peaceful, seeking solace as sustenance, drink, and refuge. However, fate had an original plan, as I found myself ensnared by extremists. Fear held my tongue captive, sealing my lips shut. Mistaken for a spy on their trail, their eyes bore into me, their actions dictated by a twisted logic: “We shall vanquish you before you even contemplate our destruction.” A cunning yet perverse manifestation of bullying mentality.

Amidst the dire circumstances, as the threat of a bullet piercing my skull loomed, I took comfort in my inner realm. I shut my eyes and delved into deep meditation, inhaling imaginary incense, a reflection of my time spent in the monastery. Through each prayer, I pleaded with the heavens to summon their celestial protectors, their divine presence banishing the malevolent demons that plagued my tormentors.

In an act of profound forgiveness, I extended mercy to those with feeble minds, their insatiable thirst for profit. Even if confined to the realm of thoughts, it caused a disconcerting offense within me. Yet, within this delicate balance, I clung to hope and anticipation. During those rare, fleeting moments when they moved me to a decrepit shed to subject me to unspeakable torture, I concocted an escape plan. The overwhelming presence of armed guards nipped all my attempts in the bud, stripping me of all hope. The sound of their guns echoed through the desolate space, a constant reminder of their insurmountable advantage.

As the day wore on, the mounting dread of the cold, sharp metal piercing my skin grew more agonizing than the impending torment. Suddenly, a fresh-faced guard materialized at my cell door. The jingle of his keys echoed faintly as he inserted them into the lock, accompanied by a hushed whisper. The word “Run!” etched itself deeply into my memory, and I clung to it desperately. No time to ask who he was; he vanished behind me as quickly as he had come.

***

Through my slanted eyes, I glanced at the girl. Her Chinese descent clung to me like an angry wasp and I felt a familiar misplacement in the world.

The soothing warmth of the soup brought back memories of my mother. I carefully twisted open the plastic lid, the sound of the seal breaking filling the air. As I took a small sip, the refreshing taste danced on my tongue.

'Is it good?' She asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

'Yes, thank you,' I said, a genuine smile forming on my face.

'Good. My friends meant to visit me yesterday, but their plans have changed and I thought about you. It's stupid, but your eyes reminded me of home.'

A gentle breeze smelled of blooming flowers from a nearby stand, mixing with the city's bustling sounds in the background.

'It's not stupid at all. My mother was Chinese.'

Our connection grew strong, like the roots of a primeval tree.

'Oh. Then I was right,' she said, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and understanding.

'Right about what?' I asked, but before I could receive an answer, she vanished into the vibrant tapestry of the multicultural city, like a wisp of wind.

Her ethereal presence lingered, leaving a longing in my heart. I couldn't help but hope to encounter her again on this fickle journey through life.

For they say, kindness received twice shall hint the third time. A flicker of hope ignited within me, a belief in the power of luck.

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Thank you for reading!