The Legend of the Immortal Traveler

Michael

  Today as I start my journey, I am taken by the beauty of the day. Fall is beginning and the skies are light shades of blue, the air is crisp, and the gentle breeze carriers the smell of fresh pine and honey. I have been traveling through a small village called Ledford. I have been here a few days learning about the village and it's people. Today as I was heading out of the village towards the valley beyond Ledford, I came across a gentleman who drew my attention.

     He stood by a stone fountain, with water pouring from the petals of a flower, it was stunning. He lifted his gaze to meet mine and smiled. His eyes were an amazing chocolate brown, his hair was a beautiful dirty blonde, his face was slim with strong cheek bones, his nose had a sharp angle that curved gently at the bottom. He was simply beautiful.

 “Hello, I am Aroura”, I began. “I am a traveler, looking for adventure and discovery.” 

Still smiling, he replied, “ I am Michael. It’s nice to meet you. Are you on your own on your quest?”

 “Yes, I have no family, so I decided that I wanted to see the world, and learn about people. I enjoy learning about how others see life .” I answered honestly. He gave me a welcoming feeling.

 “Do you have a family?” I ask while admiring his beauty.

 “My mother lives in the village, my sister lives in a village across the valley with her new husband. I stay here alone, I like the peace of not being confined to the village, where people like to be in everyone's business. I only discuss my personnel life with those I consider friends.” he answered while he seemed to be studying my face. “You aren’t like other people, are you?!” it was more of a statement than a question

. “I am really nothing special.” I replied to him. 

“It’s as if I have always known you,” he stated. “It’s like I am comfortable talking to you. Like we are friends and will always be. “

" I would be honored to call you my friend, Michael.” 

"Would you like to stay for dinner? We could continue our conversation,” he ask 

“I would love to stay, but I need to find a place to rest tonight." I wanted to spend more time with him, but I know that sleeping outside is not a good idea because fall nights get cool.

 “If you stay for dinner, you can stay in the spare room tonight. I have not enjoyed talking with another like this in a long time.” he gave me a pleading look. Maybe there was a reason to spend more time here.

 I smiled at him, “I guess I will stay for dinner, it would be rude to turn down such a kind and generous offer, thank you.” 

He smiled and showed me into his home. “This is the spare room, you can leave your stuff in here. It will be fine here.”

 I put my stuff in the room and freshened up a bit before I walked to the kitchen. He was setting stuff out to begin cooking. There was fresh chicken and vegetables on the counter next to the stove. He was sitting out pots and pans. Then he returned to chopping vegetables and placing them in a dish on the stove to cook. I watched as he was preparing dinner. He was quite intriguing. We talked about how he has been afflicted with seizures since childhood, and how people treated him like he was fragile or something to be feared. I found it hard to understand why anyone would fear him. I felt drawn to him. I explain to him, how I made my choice to live the life of a vagabond. How my family was broken and that I was an outcast.

 He could not understand how they could turn me away. He made me feel less like I was alone. After dinner, we sat on the couch talking til the moon was high in the night sky. When he realized how late it had gotten, he suggested that we should get some rest. As I walk into the guest room I am thinking about the kind of person Michael seems to be. I had been unsure of what I would encounter. I was afraid I would not be able to connect with people on my journey , I am after all cursed. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could still enjoy spending time with others, and build a friendship with them.

 As I drifted off to sleep, I looked forward to talking to Michael some more. The morning sun shining through the window greets me when I open my eyes. I make my bed and headed out to the sitting room, where I found Michael.

 “Good morning,” I greeted him.

 “Good morning, Aurora. How did you sleep?” he responds. 

“I sleep great. Thank you for allowing me to stay last night.” I tell him. 

“No thanks required. I enjoyed having the company. I would like to spend more time getting to know you.” He replied.

“I think i would like that.” I tell him through a smile.

 We walked his property, stopping to check his garden, the we walked to a stream that runs through his property. It was beautiful, crystal clear water bubbling across the stones, sitting alone the edge of the forest. We sat under a tree next to the stream for hours talking and laughing. Days with Michael quickly turned into weeks and then months. Each day filled with long walks, laughter, talking, and cooking together. My heart was so full of love and joy. It was the closest I had ever felt to belonging somewhere. But as always seems to happen, the day came when Michael not longer seemed to enjoy our days together. We both knew that I could not stay for good, and I knew someday he would find someone to truly love. As much as I wished it could be me, I knew that it would never be.

 With a heavy heart, I told Michael that I had decided that I must leave at first light tomorrow. He ask if he had done something, if I was upset at him. I told him that I have no reason to be upset. That in the last few months he has given me something that I had never had, a friend. I did not bother to tell him that my heart had fallen for him, I knew the was no reason to say anything because I knew he did not feel the same for me. As long as I could have him as my friend I would be happy.

 Sunrise came and I gathered my belongings, preparing to set out on my way. When I got outside Michael was standing by the fountain with water pouring for a flower petal, still as beautiful as the day I first laid eyes on him. I look over my should as I realize, I don’t know if we will ever cross paths again, but I know that he will always be in my heart, and always be my friend.