Greeting to all my dear readers,
Years ago, I wrote a short story to reflect the unseen kind of fate which connects everyone and everything so mysteriously. The tale is about a day in the life of two gentlemen from different backgrounds.
Allow me to share this story with you.
As the first light of dawn slipped under the bridge, the Poor Man stirred. He shifted on the unforgiving ground, his body protesting with each movement, and his stomach growled like an empty drum. He sighed deeply, pushing himself upright, and splashed his face with water from a nearby puddle. His eyes scanned his makeshift home, hoping for forgotten morsels of food. A lone bottle of water caught his eye. He reached for it, grateful for the small mercy, and drank deeply, hoping it would quench both his thirst and hunger for a little while longer. With no clear direction, his feet carried him out from under the bridge, the place he had reluctantly come to call home.
Across town, the Rich Man awoke in his spacious house, surrounded by lush gardens. The alarm clock's persistent beeping marked the start of his day. Even though the sun had barely risen, he was already in motion, seamlessly transitioning through his morning routine. The dining table held an elaborate breakfast spread—toast, half-boiled eggs, cup of coffee, and a glass of plain water. Pressed for time, he only grabbed the glass of plain water. He took a long gulp, hoping it would be enough until he could eat properly. He dashed out the door, sliding into his sleek car, ready to tackle another demanding day at the office.
The Rich Man's office buzzed with activity, a whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities. Stacks of documents covered his desk, each demanding immediate attention. He immersed himself in work, neglecting the coffee and snacks arranged thoughtfully nearby. Meetings started at 10 AM, each one more urgent than the last. Conversations stretched on, decisions were made, but the refreshments remained untouched. His mind was too occupied to notice his growing hunger or thirst. As the midday sun reached its peak, he paused briefly to collect his thoughts in the quiet of his office, then plunged back into his mountainous workload.
Meanwhile, the Poor Man meandered through the streets, his eyes scanning desperately for anything to ease his hunger. His outstretched hand met indifference from hurried passersby, and the trash bins offered little more than disappointment. He flowed with the city's rhythm, halting momentarily when the midday sun cast long shadows on the pavement. He took a deep breath, centering himself before resuming his search.
By 3 PM, the Poor Man's wandering brought him to a bustling food stall. The scent of frying noodles teased his senses, hinting at a meal he could only dream of affording. He leaned against the stall's wall, the savory aroma enveloping him. Overwhelmed by fatigue, he drifted into a fitful sleep.
At the same hour, the Rich Man sat through yet another pivotal meeting. His stomach's growl finally pierced through his focus, reminding him of his neglected hunger. An attendant brought in plates of fried noodles and glasses of tea. The meeting paused as everyone reached for the food. The Rich Man joined in, savoring each bite of the noodles, the tea washing it down perfectly. For a brief moment, he indulged in the simple pleasure of a good meal.
Back at the stall, the Poor Man was gently roused by a worker. The clock showed 3:30 PM. Rubbing his eyes, he offered a faint smile to the worker, who motioned for him to wash his hands. Though puzzled, he complied. Moments later, he was led to a table where a plate of fried noodles and a glass of tea awaited him. "This is for you," the worker said. With a grateful nod, the Poor Man eagerly dug in, the flavors bursting in his mouth. It was the best meal he had tasted in a long time.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, both the Poor Man and the Rich Man found themselves content, their stomachs full, and their hearts momentarily at peace.
Dear Readers;
Despite their different backgrounds and circumstances, the Poor Man and the Rich Man shared a hectic life. The Rich Man busy attending meeting, The Poor Man busy attending rubbish bin. Both felt the same hunger throughout the day only to find pleasure at the same dish, cooked by the same person.
The unseen force that binds every one of us, humans and those things around, can be a valuable lesson. It makes us humane and permeates humanity. An individual that values everything around, not just as a tool to be exploited, truly understands the essence of life.
When we realize this, we start to care more about those around us. We treat people with kindness and respect, knowing they are just like us in many ways. We become more thoughtful and understanding, seeing others as part of our extended family.
The story of the Poor Man and the Rich Man enjoying the same meal highlights this connection. It reminds us that we're all linked in ways we might not always notice. By embracing this, we can create a world where empathy and compassion guide our actions, making life better for everyone.
Love
Old Man Em Jay