The Village on the Other Side of the Lake🔊

Once upon a time, far beyond the twinkling horizon of the mighty ocean, nestled in the gentle embrace of verdant hills, was a tiny village named 'Anathi'. This hidden hamlet was separated from the rest of the world by a vast, pristine lake which blinked in the light of the sun, serving as the villagers' source of protection as well as their lone hurdle to explore beyond the known.

Living amongst the humble thatched cottages was an adventurous young lad named Rae. Although limited to the tiny village his whole life, his heart was brimming with a curiosity that was expansive as the star-speckled night sky. His only way to the outside world was through the tales of the aged fishermen returning after a daring journey across the lake, embroidering their experiences into a narrative that stirred his heart. Every returned sailor of Anathi was a storyteller, but the story that intrigued Rae the most was about the existence of a distant land on the other side of the lake. A place where giant buildings touched the sky, where vibrant colors flew on huge birds known as 'airplanes', and where people had magic folded in their palms that could talk and show pictures - smartphones they called it.

This narration filled Rae's dreams with a million shades of ambition waiting beyond the calm water. He wanted more than just an ordinary life in Anathi; he wanted to set his foot on that other side, chase the sky-tickling buildings, fly in the magical airplanes, and hold the world in the palm of his hand.

One brave day, he shared his ambitious plan with his best friend, Ailis. She was his shadow, his confidante, the keeper of his deepest secrets. Ailis was acutely aware of the danger yet decided to support Rae.

With the knowledge of the moon as their guide, they built a wooden boat capable enough to withstand the unpredictability of the lake. For days and nights, they would relentlessly row, only resting when the moon climbed the sky. Struggling against their odds, the young pair finally made it to the other side.

Once they stepped foot on the new land, it was as though the entire universe had unveiled itself. Everything was strikingly alien yet mesmerizingly beautiful. They found themselves surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, bustling markets, dazzling lights, fast-paced life. With their hearts pounding, they stepped into this disorientingly bright new world.

However, as they slowly started adapting, they realized that the charm that once dazzled them had started to fizzle out. They progressively missed the simplicity of Anathi, the sweet sound of the morning birds, the river's melody, the closeness of their neighbors, the joy of community events. They also missed sharing stories, witnessing raw human emotions, caring, and love. The spell of the city life had begun to shatter, revealing a void they had never felt before.

Making their decision, they packed up, bid the city life goodbye, and sailed back to their village. When they returned, they were welcomed with teary eyes and warm hugs. Anathi had remained the same, yet Rae and Ailis came back wiser, knowing that their home, with its stories and warmth, was where they truly belonged. They learned the most significant life lesson - sometimes, you need to venture far from your comfort zone to truly appreciate it.

Henceforth, the village wasn't just another hamlet hidden behind the lake. It became a place full of stories, courage, and unmeasurable love. Every night, the villagers would gather under the starlit sky, savoring Rae's and Ailis's exciting tales and laughing heartily, etching their little village with the ink of love, warmth, and togetherness.