Night blanketed the caravan in a soft cloak of darkness, and the travelers settled in to rest. Fires flickered throughout the camp, around which people gathered in small groups. The air filled with the aroma of roasting meat, spices, and smoke. Voices speaking different languages, laughter, and the melodic crackling of burning wood could be heard all around. The fire cast a warm, shimmering glow, creating a sense of coziness and safety.
Yet, despite the lively atmosphere, Baios couldn't shake a feeling of detachment. Surrounded by so many people, he still felt as though he were in a glass bubble, separated from the rest. Hoping to clear his mind, he climbed a small hill near the camp.
From the top, a vast starry sky stretched out before him. Tonight it was especially clear, scattered with countless stars like jewels on a velvet canvas. Baios breathed in the cool night air, filled with the scent of grasses and distant campfires. His mind was full of thoughts about the journey they'd taken and what lay ahead.
Suddenly, he noticed the silhouette of a young man sitting alone at the edge of the hill. His figure was bathed in soft moonlight, and his posture held a profound contemplation. Baios looked closer and recognized him—it was Nostra, the caravan leader's son. There were many rumors about him: some said he had been cast out of his home due to some offense, that he was stripped of his inheritance and forced to travel with caravans as a mere worker.
Baios felt sympathy rise in his heart. He understood that beneath a cold exterior might lie a wounded soul seeking understanding. Gathering his thoughts, he decided to approach and speak with him.
– Hello, – Baios said softly as he came closer.
Nostra flinched and turned. His eyes, reflecting the moonlight, looked wary, but within them lay fatigue and a hidden sadness.
– Hello, – he replied quietly, his voice hoarse, as if he hadn't spoken in a while.
– The night is beautiful, isn't it? – Baios continued, sitting down nearby but keeping a respectful distance.
– The stars seem closer than usual.
Nostra turned his gaze back to the sky.
– They're always far away, – he replied with a bitter smile.
– No matter how bright they appear, you can never reach them.
There was a deep longing in his words. Baios thought for a moment, choosing his reply carefully.
– Maybe so, – he agreed.
– But they serve as guides for travelers. Without them, it would be hard to find one's way in the darkness.
Nostra scoffed.
– But what if you have no path? What if you're just wandering aimlessly?
Baios looked at him thoughtfully.
– I think there's always a path, even if we can't see it right away. Sometimes, we need to stop and listen to ourselves to understand where to go.
Nostra sighed and lowered his head.
– Easy to say. You probably know what you want from life. But me… They see me as a burden. Even here in the caravan, I'm an outsider. No one wants to deal with someone who disappointed his own family.
His voice held bitterness and disappointment. Baios felt a growing urge to help this young man.
– You know, – he began, – there was a time when I also felt like an outsider. I thought I had no place in the world.
Nostra raised an eyebrow skeptically.
– And what changed?
– I met people who believed in me, – Baios replied with a warm smile.
– They helped me realize that the meaning of life isn't just something you find; you can create it yourself. The key is not to shut yourself off from the world.
Nostra fell silent for a moment, then asked:
– But what if the world turned away from you first?
Baios pondered his answer carefully.
– The world is vast and varied. If some turn away, others will accept you as you are. But for that to happen, you need to give them a chance.
Nostra looked at him again, and a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes.
– You sound like my mother, – he murmured.
– She always believed in people, even when everyone else gave up.
– A wise woman, – Baios observed.
– Maybe it's worth listening to her words?
Nostra smiled, this time genuinely.
– You know, you're the first person to speak to me without prejudice. Most people see me only as the caravan leader's son or as a failure.
– I see a person searching for his path, – Baios replied.
– And maybe we can help each other in that search.
Nostra nodded.
– Maybe… I'm Nostra, – he introduced himself, extending his hand.
– Baios, – he replied, shaking his hand.
– Nice to meet you.
The wind gently rustled the grass, as if approving of their newfound friendship. In the distance, the sounds of a flute could be heard—a tune that was both sad and hopeful, filling the night air with a special charm.
– Shall we head back to the fire? – Baios suggested.
– They're singing songs there now, and I think some company would do us good.
Nostra hesitated for a moment but then resolutely stood up.
– Yes, why not, – he agreed.
– Maybe tonight will be better than the ones before.
They descended the hill together, and Baios felt he had taken the right step. Perhaps this was the start of a new chapter not only for Nostra but also for himself.
When they returned to the camp, Anfar greeted them with a friendly look.
– I see you've found a new friend, – he noted.
– Yes, meet Nostra, – Baios replied.
– He'll be joining us.
Anfar smiled and extended his hand.
– Nice to meet you. We're always happy to have new faces in our company.
Nostra accepted the handshake, and a hint of relief flickered in his eyes.
– Thank you. I… I'm glad, too.
They settled around the fire, where the caravan members sang songs and shared stories. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. Nostra gradually relaxed and even started joining in the conversation, sharing funny stories from his travels.
Baios watched him and felt a joy in having helped someone open up. He remembered the Teacher's words:
– Sometimes, in helping others, we help ourselves.
And indeed, this encounter filled him with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
The night passed slowly, and the stars above shone brighter than ever. They no longer seemed cold and distant. Now, they were symbols of hope and new beginnings.