THE MOON AND THE STARS
Reina
Beneath the starry night sky, they were merely humans, laying on the grass, gazing at the dark sky, and connected by the twinkling stars, the shining, silver moon, and everything in between. “Why do you think humans are so attracted to the night sky and the stars?” she wondered out loud. He thought for a moment before replying, “Under the same moon and stars, they are reminded that no matter who they are, they are all equal and that harmony attracts them.” She hummed in acknowledgement, deep in thought. Then she said, “In a whole, gigantic universe swathed in darkness, the stars still manage to light it up. So I believe that just as it reminds people of their equality, it reminds them of hope. It reminds them of the wonder in the making of this universe.” He smiled and looked up at the sky again where the stars were winking at him. “Hope,” he breathed out. “Dare we still believe in such a thing?” “Oh, it isn’t just about daring,” she said. “We must believe in it. It is what carries us forward, for without it, we become empty shells, existing but never actually living, because we seldom expect anything other than disappointments and losses. We even become numb to that too in the end. Hence, hope is essential for humans. It is our lifeline.” A gentle breeze blew and she faded away, for it was the wonder he felt that had brought her here. He closed his eyes and imagined all the great things that could happen, drifting to sleep. When he opened his eyes, he was looking at a blue sky and the sun’s golden rays filled the air with warm delight. He smiled. It was time to continue living - living with hope.
90
Lebanon 91
