Water dripped from the roof, making the room chillingly cold on a winter night.
Golnaz made hot soup for Bahar on one burner and prepared steaming water with eucalyptus oil on another. Bahar was breathing heavily.
"Maa, I hate rainy winter days." Said Bahar, breathing heavily.
Golnaz wiped the tears; she knew she couldn't be weak in front of her daughter.
"My Bahar is brave; she can fight anything," said Golnaz.
Bahar steamed with eucalyptus oil-infused water, followed by hot chicken soup. She felt better, and Golnaz felt relieved.
"Maa, I think we've got one more day together," said Bahar.
Golnaz put her hand on Bahar's mouth." Never repeat this," she said.
Golnaz had lost her job because she had taken too many holidays to care for her daughter. She was running out of money. She dreaded the day when she wouldn't have money to buy gas, eucalyptus oil, chicken for broth for her daughter. This thought made chills run down her spine.
It's been months, and Golnaz has not slept at night. Miracle was the only hope she had. All family and friends had turned their backs on her; the cost of Bahar's treatment was too much. Golnaz had tried all possible ways to collect money for the treatment; by now, she knew it was impossible.
Wind was blowing heavily, and it was snowing now. Many trees fell and blocked the roads.
Golnaz was doing everything to keep her daughter warm. Just then, there was a sharp knock at the door. Golnaz opened the door. A middle-aged woman stood at the door, hair whipped across her face by the wind. In her gloved hand, she grasped a small suitcase. Her eyes, moist with tears, reflected a deep sense of urgency, drawing Golnaz's attention to the gravity of her situation.
"A tree fell and has blocked this road. I can't go further; can I seek shelter in your house?" the lady asked.
Golnaz let the lady in. The lady looked around at the chipped walls, the humid smell, and a young girl wrapped in layers of old blankets, when Golnaz gently interrupted her, offering a chair; Please have a seat. The lady settled on the rusty chair.
Golnaz brought some chicken soup.
"Ma'am, have some hot soup. It's quite chilly out there." The steam from the bowl promised warmth and comfort amidst the cold and sad surroundings.
The lady was surprised that the soup was served in a fine porcelain bowl with a floral pattern.
"We rarely get a chance to use this," said Golnaz.
The lady passed a gentle smile and started having soup. It was delicious, infused with whole spices and herbs, and warming on a cold winter night.
"Thank you for the soup," said the lady.
"My pleasure, Ma'am," said Golnaz.
There was a pin-drop silence in the room until Bahar started coughing badly. She struggled to breathe. Golnaz maintained her composure and brought the eucalyptus oil-infused water for steaming. Bahar inhaled the steam for some time and felt better.
Like every time, Bahar said, "We might be together for one more day."
Hearing this, Golnaz felt a sharp pain in her chest.
When Bahar returned to sleep, the lady asked," Is there anything serious?"
"God will be kind, Ma'am," said Golnaz.
The lady looked down and smiled at her unwavering faith and courage.
"Do you have faith in God ?" the lady asked.
There was a long silence. Then, to change the topic, Golnaz asked,
"Where do you live, and who's in your family?"
"I live quite far from here and have a large family. It will take me forever to mention them," the lady said.
A melancholic smile flickered across Golnaz's lips, reflecting the sweet and bitter echoes of the past. She also had a large family, and she was everyone's favourite when she was a giver, but everyone turned their backs on her during her tough times.
Golnaz quickly returned to present; she didn't want to involve a stranger in her affairs.
"What were you doing here on such a stormy day?" asked Golnaz.
"I had a pressing matter to attend to. A family member needed funds for medical treatment, and some matters had to be handled despite the rough weather," the lady said.
Golnaz recalled the countless times she had stepped up to help her family and friends, but today she was standing alone.
The weather was getting worse, without any hope of getting better.
Bahar was breathing heavily.
She was breathing; at this moment, it was enough for Golnaz.
Golnaz numbly got up and began making tea. She served the tea in a fine porcelain cup and saucer. "Please have some tea, the weather is freezing."
"Do you come this side often?" asked Golnaz.
"No, unless there was something important," said the lady.
"That relative must be very special to you," said Golnaz.
The lady smiled gently and said, "Yes, kind people are always special, aren't they?"
Golnaz stayed quiet. She wished it were true.
Both ladies kept talking throughout the stormy night till the dawn broke.
A ray of sunlight fell in Golmaz's face.
"The storm is over," said the lady.
Golmaz didn't expect the storm to pass; there would be a bright and sunny day.
The sun always made Bahar feel better.
"Mom," called Bahar.
Golnaz turned towards Bahar, "How are you feeling, my darling?" she asked
"I am feeling better, Mom," said Bahar
"Say hello to Aunty," said Golnaz.
Bahar looked at her mom with surprise and asked," Who are you talking about, Maa?"
Golmaz turned back in shock. No one was in the room, and a suitcase lay beside the chair. She picked up the briefcase and hastily opened it. It was filled with money.
Golnaz rushed out of the house with the briefcase to look for the lady. She couldn't see anyone as far as her sight could reach. She walked down the street; no fallen trees were blocking the road.
The stranger's words echoed in her mind.
"I live quite far from here and have a large family. It will take me forever to mention them."
"I had a pressing matter to attend to. A family member needed funds for medical treatment, and some matters had to be handled despite the rough weather."
"Yes, kind people are always special, aren't they?"
"The storm is over."
Tears rolled down Golnaz's cheeks; this time, they were the tears of happiness.
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