"Pete's Story"

"Its strength is capable of making the earth tremble. Its vital liquid has the power to refresh and vitalize the soul, while its reflection is the perfect mirror that reveals even the deepest of all thoughts." This is how all the inhabitants of a small town know Pete, a beautiful stream that for years has been the guardian of a community that has taken refuge in the waters of this giant watchman. It is said that by day it shines brighter than sunlight, and at night many flock to the banks of its path so that it becomes the reason for all dreams.

For a long time this stream has been noble to its guests, who have now lost conscience and consideration for their great friend. They have begun to spew their hatred, spite and malice, to cause unbearable pain to their loyal watcher. They have damaged his watercourse and invaded the courtyards of his home, seeking to diminish and end his existence. And what until recently was a pearl that adorned the village, has now become the saddest of all landscapes.

Pixabay by PMCarrera

And then a dark and agitated night seemed to rage against that village and its inhabitants, unleashing a voracious storm as never before remembered in those parts. And the rain was so heavy that it filled and overflowed Pete's waters, unleashing that great force that he himself held back so as not to harm anyone who was too close. But the storm won the pulse, and that stream could not avoid hitting the inhabitants and their crops, which were their only hope of food.

The residents of the town were enraged by such a disaster caused by Pete, and so with much hatred they gathered in large groups to ask the creek to leave town, to leave them alone and never come back. That crowd was so impulsive and aggressive, that in the midst of all that commotion they tripped a young man who was standing on the banks of Pete, and because of this, that young man fell and was swept away by the currents of the stream that could not prevent his tragic end. That was the final trigger for Pete to be banished from the place that for centuries was his only home.

As time went by, sadness and discouragement gradually dried up Pete, who had to flee to take refuge in the depths of a leafy mountain that tried to alleviate his sorrows. Pete was broken inside, and his waters became bitter streams that no one even wanted to look at. Unhappiness gradually consumed him, and there was no more light and brightness in his eyes.

Pixabay by geralt

But one morning a hunter came to the top of the mountain, and when he saw Pete he ran down to meet him.

At last I have found you! You must come back with me to the village! -said the man with complete excitement.

However, that invitation did not seem to be the best for Pete, and his countenance was still very poor and worn out.

"I really wish that someday I could return to my home. But the truth is that the townspeople no longer love me, and my waters have turned sour from the guilt I carry since the day that young man lost his life. "Pete replied very sadly.

"The townspeople have changed their minds and have realized this great mistake. They recognize the damage we were already causing you before all this and so they feel very sorry for having banished you from your home. We have all repented, and we wish you to return. In fact, I myself volunteered to look for you, because I know that you are very important to us" -Said the hunter with much conviction.

Hearing this, Pete felt a little more relieved, until with a guarded cry he suddenly expressed:

"What clouds my heart today is guilt for that young man who once succumbed in my arms, and so my waters are clothed in bitter mourning. I do not have the strength to look at the parents of that young man, who will have reason to hate me and never forgive me."

But immediately the hunter with tears in his eyes, said:
"If that is what is holding you back, then you can come quietly. Because I have long since forgiven you, and I decided to do it because of the love I always had for you, ever since you were a little stream."

And hearing this, Pete realized that the man who came to look for him was the father of the young man who fell into his waters. And so deep and genuine was the affection in those words, that Pete decided to return to the town where he was born. From that moment on, what was once broken came to life again, with the freshness and sweetness of those waters that always gave color and life to the whole town and its inhabitants. It was a memorable day when this beloved stream returned, and there was no more bitterness or bitterness to overshadow its existence. And so the bonds of love and forgiveness gave Pete and the others a new opportunity to live together in happiness and prosperity.

Pixabay by john_Ioannidis

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THE END