Timelake

There is a place where I always like to return to when the world becomes too loud and hectic for me. It’s a small hidden lake in the middle of the forest that I discovered while taking a walk with my dog. I love the peace and quiet that this place exudes with its untouched, rugged beauty. The lake has always had something magical for me. Things that weigh on me seem to dissolve when I stroll along the shore and feel the cool breeze on my skin. It’s as if I’m in another world, far away from all the stress and problems.

One day, when I find myself at the lake again, I suddenly discover an old man sitting on a rickety bench nearby, smiling thoughtfully. It’s rare for me to encounter another human being here, so I walk over to him and ask how he is doing. He points to the spot next to him and invites me to sit down. “I come to this lake at least once a year,” the old man begins to tell me. “It’s a place where I have always felt safe. It reminds me of my childhood and the people who were still in my life back then. As a child, I often came here with my family.” The man looks into the distance. “But now I have been alone for years, and sometimes it feels like a part of me has also gone away. But when I’m here, I remember that I’m never truly alone. I have learned many things in life, and I know that loneliness is a part of it. But the lake reminds me of the people who made my life worth living. When I’m here, I feel close to them again. I hear us laughing, see my brother and me catching frogs, and my father fishing.”

I look into his gray eyes, which look tired from years of seeing but shine with love and wisdom. “I also find support at this place when I feel like I’m losing myself,” I admit. “Sometimes, in this fast-paced world, I feel like an outsider. As if I’m the only one who can’t keep up.” A sympathetic smile plays around the old man’s wrinkled cheeks as he replies, “This place helps me see things from a perspective that reminds me that life is so much more than just the moments we experience. It’s about the connections and relationships we build with others and with the environment.” Then he talks about the power of silence, love, and the importance of friendship and family. He encourages me to pursue my dreams and to believe in myself. I listen to him and feel his words trigger something within me. There was so much wisdom in them, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with him. The encounter with the old man has deeply touched me, and I know that the magic of his words and this place will always accompany me.