20 | Jul | 2020 | willowdot21

Nadia

Nadia was tired her bones ached her feet were swollen and the pain in her chest that had been bothering her for days now was tiring her out. Just a she as she bent down to take the evening meal out of the oven the door flew open and her eldest great,great, granddaughter rushed in. “Nana is coming, Nana is coming up the hill” Nadia felt the rush of warmth and sighed as all the aches and pains left her body Sofia was coming , all will be well.

Watching Sofia striding up the hill towards the house she marvelled at her strength of stride and how though aged she looked the same as she did when they had first met. All those years ago when her mother had died and Sofia had stepped in and made things right. Things seemed clearer after that terrible afternoon when they had left Jerusalem. Never, never would the the vision of the poor man on the cross fade from her mind. His face was with her constantly but recently the vision was more a comfort than a fear provoking.

Walking out of the door Nadia told the child to go and fetch her mother and grandmother. Then with a newly found strength in her old bones she strode towards Sofia.

Nadia was in her 99th year which made Sofia..how old? It was a mystery Sofia never seemed to age she just went on and on never changing. She looked the same now as she did the day they had finally left their home land after Mary had died. They had packed up and gone to Cyprus. Nadia would never forget when they left. How none of the captain’s of the boats wanted to take them. Sofia had just decided which boat looked the sturdiest and looked the captain in the eye and said “You will take the child and I to Cyprus” and he had.

That was 90 years ago. Sofia had set up a home, they had built the house, tended the land and farmed goats, fruit, honey and olives. Nadia had been taught to read and write, grown married, had children, lost children and now has two generations of descendants.

The two women greeted eachother with a hug and then turned back toward the farm house. Nadia never felt her age when Sofia was at her side. ” I am so glad you are here tonight ” Nadia said, “The whole family is coming for a meal.” Sofia smiled.

Later after the meal with her whole family around her Nadia died peacefully and gently in Sofia’s arms. The family were destraught at her death . No body noticed Sofia leave, as she opened the door she said to them all, grieve for Nadia now, remember me as one who you once knew.

None of the family saw the two figures walking towards the sunset. One child looking out of window thought she did, but went she mentioned it she was told not to be silly, so she said no more.

Nadia and Sofia walked awhile together happy in their companionship. Then Sofia saw the angel waiting for Nadia and she told her to go with him. Nadia protested but Sofia said she had to journey on , she kissed Nadia and when she saw she was safe with the angel she walked on.