The Journey of a Promise
Once there was a small village named Linnet's Valley, set in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering mountains. The village was famous for a special gemstone ‘Serendite’, which was considered a source of goo luck and prosperity. The gem was only found in the mountains surrounding the village and was the main source of income for the locals.
In Linnet's Valley, lived an old man, Mr. Ethan, who was a Serendite miner. Ethan was widely respected for his selfless service to the village and his decision to remain a bachelor so he could dedicate his life to the villagers. His humble abode was always open for anyone who required help or guidance.
One day, a ten-year-old boy Julian approached Mr. Ethan with a gloomy face. He was the son of a poor potter, whose relentless hard work was never enough to keep the family from the clutches of deprivation. Julian conveyed to Ethan that his mother was seriously ill. The treatment was costly and the only way to pay was to sell Serendite. But finding such a valuable gem was not child's play.
Moved by the boy's predicament, Ethan promised Julian that he would help him find the gem. They both started mining deeper into the mountains. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Mr. Ethan's frail body was taking a hit, but he didn’t break his promise. They kept mining with hope and patience, believing that their hard work would bear fruit soon.
One unfortunate day, while digging, Mr. Ethan accidentally triggered a rock slide. Ethan, with his quick reflexes, pushed Julian away, but couldn't save himself and was trapped under the rocks. Julian ran to the village and explained the catastrophe. The whole village rushed to the spot and began the rescue operation. Hours later, they managed to pull Ethan out, but he was severely injured.
At that moment, Julian noticed a gleaming Serendite stone covered in dust beside the fallen rock that had ensnared Ethan. With tears of joy and sorrow in his eyes, Julian picked up the stone and showed it to Ethan. Mr. Ethan, unable to speak due to pain, gestured to give the stone to Julian's mother.
Ethan was moved to the local healer's house. The village did everything they could to save him, but his injuries were severe and beyond their healing capabilities.
Back at Julian's house, the sight of Serendite brought a ray of hope to his mother. They sold the gemstone and began the treatment. Miraculously, Julie's mother recovered and was soon back to her normal health. But the joy wasn’t complete, for Julian and the villagers had lost their guide, their selfless serviceman; Mr. Ethan.
The villagers erected a statue of Mr. Ethan beside the primary mine entrance to commemorate his dedication and sacrifice. The story of Ethan and Julian was told to generations, reminding them of the essence of selfless service and never breaking promises. The memory of Ethan lived forever, etched in the hearts of the people of Linnet's Valley and in the gleaming reflection of every Serendite gem cut thereafter.