The Faithful Heart

Memories Strands

I don't know why time goes so fast. Hana and Dewa have been spending time with Russell and Aleena for a week. And this was the last day they set foot in the country full of canals. Even though they had been postponing their return for one week, it was not enough to trace the happy memories of their mother and father.

For one week they enjoyed their togetherness with joy. As if they do not want to waste precious time together they fill it with many activities together that can add to their sense of togetherness and affection as a family. Although it is not uncommon to hear silly debates from Hana and Dewa and Russell who invite laughter and it is all the more color that adds to the beauty of the day with them.

Aleena and Hana did not forget to capture every moment with them. Later the picture will be a frame of their happy memories.

" Honey can't you add a few more days to your vacation here? I still don't want to part with you guys. There are still many things I want to do with you." whined Aleena for the umpteenth time.

" I'm sorry Ma, I can't seem to. We've been off too long. Pity the abandoned workers of the Gods. I also have to go back to school. My students must have missed me too. I'm not happy if I have to add another leave, Ma, this is all I've had nearly twenty days off." Hana refused her mother-in-law's request gently.

" You're right you have responsibilities that can't be left at will." Aleena snorted.

"Then let's make this last day with the most beautiful memories." Aleena exclaimed with excitement.

" How about we go around the village of Giethoorn on foot? Uh sorry, I forgot that Mama can't do exhausting activities. I'll wait for God and Papa to come home."

" When just walking around, why wait for them? I can still accompany you Honey, I'm not that bad."

" I'm sorry Ma, I don't mean that. I just don't want to make Mama tired." Hana felt bad.

" Heh why should I apologize? Let's walk around the village. Didn't you want it?"

" Alright come. But Mama don't push yourself, do you? I don't want Mama why napa. We'll just walk around the house. I'll take my jacket for a while, Ma. Mama also has to wear a thick jacket, the air here is very cold." Hana rushed to her room.

When Hana came out, Aleena was ready with her thick jacket.

" Wear this Honey, I knit it myself." Aleena put a knit hat on her daughter-in-law's head.

" It looks like this hat is perfect for you, you look beautiful and adorable" Aleena praised.

" Thank you Ma, can I bring this hat home with me?"

" Of course, I'd be very happy if you did that. Let's go for a walk." Aleena held Hana's hand.

The two of them walked together through the beauty and tranquility of the village of Giethoorn. Passing paths and wooden bridges around the canal.

" Here is very peaceful and beautiful, similar to the fairyland in the story. It feels very peaceful, actually I still feel at home here Ma but unfortunately there is still a responsibility that I have to work on." grunts Hana while looking at the rows of colorful flowers along the road he passed.

" That's what I feel, too, Honey. I originally chose this place to wait for my death, but after your presence and the Gods I became eager to live even longer. I still want to keep good memories with you and your children. I don't want to die now Honey."

" What did Mama say? Of course Mama will live long. I will always mention Mama in my prayers. Is not Mama a man who believes in God? Mama must have believed in miracles and greatness." Hana stopped her footsteps and stared at the beautiful woman beside her.

" Look, Mama won't be leaving so soon. As long as Mama knows in my religious teachings we perform mandatory worship five times a day. So you can count for yourself how much I ask for healing and longevity for Mama."

" He he, is prayer judged by its number not by its specificity?"

" Yes two of them. Mama can liken a child who asks for pocket money to his mother. If only once sometimes it will not be given, but if asked repeatedly it must be given." said Hana.

" What kind of logic is that? Lord Merciful Honey sometimes without us having to ask for anything, He will give the best and most beautiful things to His creatures." Aleena refuted.

" That's why Mama understands. Then why still doubt the greatness of God."

" You're right you shouldn't be a pessimistic mom. Alright from this second, I will instill in my heart and mind that I will soon recover and live a long life. There are still many days I will spend with my children and grandchildren."

" Well dong, this is my favorite mother-in-law."

Dear God, please give a miracle to Mama Aleena. Give him healing and a long life. You are the Almighty, I am sure that by Your power all things can happen.

" We sit down first Ma." pinta Hana stopped on a wooden bench.

" all right. Let's tell you more about yourself, Honey. I never get tired of your story."

" What story? I was humiliated by a God?"

" Ha ha, what is humiliated? It is not precisely you who managed to humiliate him with his sensational image. Ha ha." Aleena recalled the silliness of the child and daughter-in-law.

" Ha ha ha, yes Mama was right. I never thought Mama was so kind and understanding. I am very comfortable being around my mom. Maybe it's for that reason that Papa Russell is dead in love with Mama."

" Our story is not as beautiful as your shadow Honey. There was a lot of sadness that we had to go through. Just so you know I once forced him to leave me imperfect because I was sentenced to barrenness. Both of his parents kept urging me to let Russell go for his happiness. I obey him because I do not want him to always quarrel with his parents, I also want him to get the best companion. In front of his eyes I had to do a scene of infidelity so he would leave me. And yes, he did leave but it was all very painful for both of us. Then destiny brought us back together. From there I realized that we love each other as we should be together to be happy. We go about our day lovingly, yes although I admit that there will be times when we and our partner will be at odds about some things. But it's perfectly natural. And you need to remember Honey, if there will be problems between you and the God never decide to separate, remember every good memory you both lived. Promise Honey, no matter what happens you can't ruin your marriage."

" Well Mama I promise I will always keep our marriage in any circumstances" Hana said with full earnestness.

" Do you know Honey, somehow even though we've only met for a few days but I consider you like my own real son. First meeting you I immediately felt fit, even though I was among the people who had a hard time getting along with strangers."

" Ha ha ha. You're right maybe that's why."

" You're here apparently. Me and the gods are looking for you at home but nothing." Russell suddenly appeared near them.

" Hana and I just want to enjoy the view of this village on foot. It seems like I haven't done it in a long time" Aleena said.

" Owhah is that? But we have to get back home. It's not good to be outdoors for too long with this cold air. Let's go home, me and the gods have bought a lot of food.

" Come on, honey, Hana and I just got out for a little while. It's the last day Hana's here anyway." Aleena refused to return home immediately.

" Papa's right, Ma, we need to get back home. My nose started to get a little clogged with cold. Anyway soon is the time to take your medicine right? So let's go back." Hana moved from her seat.

" Look you're here apparently. Huh huh." The gods come with a breath of innocence.

" What are you doing?" ask Hana.

" I ran around the village looking for you." The god took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. He repeated it a few times.

" Huh, is that just what you're capable of, young man? Running for a while straight ngos ngosan? You really humiliated me Van Nero's family." Russell sneered.

" I feel sorry for you, my daughter-in-law, for having such a lackluster husband. Don't get stamina in bed either."

" Heh what do you mean Old Man? Do I need to show you how powerful I am?" god's eyes were round because of the words of the man who was green as he was.

" Tell him dear, how awesome my actions are in bed." The god shone a sharp glare at his wife.

" What should I tell you? That you just silenced me on our bridal night? Or you who can only do push-ups 36 times and then collapse to give up helplessly?" hana said with smirking lips.

" What....?!! Seriously??! You're that weak as my son?" russell's speech was full of ridicule.

" Of course not. How could I be that weak..!!" the Lord said with a murmur.

Apparently Hana deliberately said it all to make Papa make fun of me. Watch out for you, baby..... I'll make you regret what you said just now.

"I'll prove how strong I really am."

" Darling you seem to be deliberately talking that to lure this husband of yours huh? I'll make you regret what you said just now. Prepare to receive my onslaught. This time I'll make you groan for mercy." whispered the God near Hana's ear making Hana berserk in horror.

Without permission the God shouldered Hana's body on her shoulder like a sack of rice.

" ...!!! What are you doing, honey?! Lower me...!" shouting Hana.

" lowered you? It can't be because you asked for it, I'll make you cry out for mercy." God's lips grinned.

" Dear let me go. I was just kidding...!!!!" but God did not break his wife's whining and continued to carry her towards the house while half-running.

" Mom.... Papa's.... Help me...!!" hana shouted as she looked towards Russell and Aleena hoped they would help her.

" He is indeed a descendant of Russell Van Nero." Aleena snorted.

" You're right. But I wasn't that crazy." Russell's eyes were still locked on the figure of the child and his daughter-in-law who was getting away.

" Let's go home too." Russell carried his wife's body into his trunk.

" Hey what are you doing? Put me down, it's so embarrassing." Aleena was shocked by her husband's treatment.

" Why should I be ashamed? You are my wife and the only woman I love with all my heart." Russell kissed Aleena's friendly forehead without letting go of her sling.

" All right, we're going home in this position. I want to see if you're still holding me home?" Aleena held her hand against Russell's neck.

" You underestimate me, baby. Let alone just carry you home, around the world while carrying you only_"

" You're willing?" Aleena cut off her husband's words.

" Of course not. If the world has to ride a new jet can."

" Ha ha ha.." they laughed together.

Will this cheerfulness remain after Hana and the Gods leave here?