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Like any other day, I sat under my favorite tree as I watched the glorious sun rising slowly from the distant horizon. Bit by bit, the warmth of its rays touched my weary face. It felt so good.


“What a wonderful day,” I said to myself.


My favorite tree carelessly swayed its leaves as the calm wind of the serene morning passed by. I felt the gentle breeze brush against my face.


I glanced at my surroundings and noticed I was alone. I’m always at ease whenever I’m alone. And so, I laid aside my sword and shield. Then, I cushioned my arms behind my head as I lied down. I closed my eyes and listened to the harmony of nature. Time did not touch me for a while and I wished it would stay like this forever, until I heard footsteps.


Its her.


Tensed, I slowly peered through my closed eyes to see her. She approached carefully and sat down not far from where I lay, making it certain that she wouldn’t disturb my feigned sleep. The morning air carried her sweet scent to me, and I became even more nervous now that she was unusually near.


Yet again, my favorite tree swayed its leaves as a lively breeze went by, and the sunlight coursing through its branches danced. The green grass beneath us became even more vivid, and a sparrow chirped a sunny melody right after it perched on a branch.


I can almost see myself drawing a picture of her, and it seemed though that the idea of dying as a soldier might never cross my mind ever again. She was as beautiful as always, and always will be for as long as I live.


However, a daunting fact soon haunted me again, and took me away from my wishful thinking: I didn’t know her name. I never had the courage to ask her. I've had always thought that it was kind of silly, since I've always been brave whenever I'm in combat. But like any other human being, I feel fear. And apparently, these are two very different things.


From then on, I began to think that it's quite normal to be afraid, especially when I do not desire for death, for I think that all of my deeds in this world isn’t done yet.


It isn’t my time. I do not want my life to end---at least, not anymore---because now, I know that she exists. She changed the way I see life.


As the precious moments lingered by, I pondered: Should I or should I not seize the day? I’m wasting valuable time! But what if...---I didn’t want to think about it. It was too much. It would break my heart if that happened. But what the heck! I wouldn’t die right on the spot and drop dead like a twig if I did it, right? ...Would I?


As my mind clashed its way around on these pensive thoughts I was having, I didn’t realize that I was making faces! How can I be so careless!


Then, once more, I slowly peeked through my closed eyes to see if she noticed it. She did! And not just that! She noticed that I noticed that she noticed! I had made a fool of myself!


But surprising enough, she looked at me and smiled instead.


A bit relieved, I smiled too as I opened my eyes.


And there we were, wordlessly staring at each other---smiling.


She was so beautiful. And with that smile, I gathered strength. I have decided! I will no longer prolong this cowardly feeling! I drew in a deep breath... and... and...


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“Dad! Dad! Wake up!" said a tiny and cheerful voice.


I woke up and found myself taking a nap under a very familiar tree.


"Were you dreaming?" she asked.


"Yes I was, dear" I replied.


"You were making faces,” she said, giggling. “C’mon dad, get up or we’ll be late. What were you dreaming of anyway?”


“...your mother.”