CHAPTER 1 Part 2

 

CHAPTER ONE   part 2

 One memory of our outings to the green market stayed with me until this day. We came to the market just as we usually do, but I remember that day as being unusually crowded, with people milling around, trying to pass each other between narrow market stalls.

My grandmother held my hand pretty tightly, not wanting to loose me by chance in that crowd. We entered the butcher store and in a second we got split in the mass of bodies pushing up to the front of the store.

I felt  momentary panic, looking up at all those people squashing me while I was frantically looking for her brown colored jacket she wore that morning. All I could see around from my small vantage point were strange bodies and faces. 

My little heart was pumping furiously and unshed tears began to prick the back of my eyes. "Naaanaa, nannaa", I cried, panic creeping up my voice.

Next thing I know, strange hands were picking me up from behind, and I was placed to sit on some kind of counter where I could immediately see to the front. And there she was, my Nana, face pale and worried, calling out my name, looking around for a glimpse of me.

The moment her eyes laid on me, relief flooded them. "I'm here honey, don't you worry. I'm coming over, sit tight", she exclaimed in a reassuring voice.

 All fear left me at the exact moment I saw her. She could take her time for all I care, as long as I could have her in sight. 

 Yes, I knew then and I know now. I was the apple of her eye, the drum of her heart, the wing to her soul, the happiness, worry and pride and she kept me rooted when I was all but gone under.

I am and forever will be grateful to that woman. 

She was my living testament, that even I was unconditionally loved. Every soul needs that someone in their life, whoever that may be, a parent, a friend, a spouse..., just one soul, you never doubt, one soul that never betrays you, one soul that will always have your back, always put you first, one soul to grab your , when the whole world collapses around and on you. 

to be continued..