2 II. The Man in White

The man in white wiped her tears and told her to cry no more. The man's hand is very warm. She smiled and felt comforted. He stood up and guided her to a 'rest tree' nearby. Lily trotted behind and wondered if there was such a tree before. She didn't see the tree earlier or maybe she just didn't notice. A smooth stone was sitting under its shade. The man in white sat on it and he lifted her up to his lap. She was surprised and at the same time very delighted. When he lifted her, she felt like all the doubts and heaviness she felt have also been lifted up. The man in white is so fatherly. Sitting there she felt secured and warm. If only she could stay like this forever. She also discovered that the wonderful scent around the air came from him. Up close, he smells really nice like a million flowers blended perfectly well together. She felt so happy her inside felt ticklish it almost made her want to laugh.

The man in white scooped her hands in his very big hands. Her hands were so tiny it was only the size of his palm. She noticed scar marks on both his hands. Then he told her to close her eyes and to believe with all that she can that her 'heart' will be fixed. She followed, not fearing or doubting anything. She just obeyed his voice and focused on her faith. She felt love flowing and radiating from the man in white through her and pouring into their enclosed hands were the broken heart is. After that strong power have subsided and was only reduced to a light humming, she slowly opened her eyes and gingerly opened her hands. Her eyes immediately filled up to the brim with tears and a very big smile crept on her face when she saw that the crystal has been made whole. It was glowing cheerfully and pulsing. It was even brighter than before. The pain on her chest also disappeared.

The man in white lifted her up again and put her down on the grass. She was very glad that she began raising the heart pendant and adoring it, it's golden necklace hanging. She wanted to jump and run around in happiness but she was afraid that it might accidentally slip from her hands. She lowered it then turned to the man in white who was still sitting on the stone. She looked at the heart on her hand, then at him, and then back to the heart. She reached it out to him. "Lord, since you fixed it, then this heart belongs to you. A part of your love has also been left in it that made it shine brighter." She looked sadly and longingly at the heart. "If this is left to me it might get broken again. I'd rather leave it to someone who I can trust. I may no longer bring it with me but as long as it's safe then that's all that matters." She smiled sadly, but she meant every word she said.

The man in white flickered brighter in response as if smiling.

Before handing it over, she thanked him for making her heart complete.

At the mention of the word 'complete,' the man in white chuckled and said, "Are you sure it's complete?"

She lowered the crystal and looked curiously at it. The 'heart' is a fist-sized egg-shaped smooth crystal with a scraggly side. She furrowed her brows. She had also wondered before why it has such a squiggly part. She's not even sure if it's supposed to be facing left or right. "Hm, I've also been wondering what's this for," she thought out loud as she trailed her fingers on the uneven surface. "Is this supposed to fit with something? It's so odd I wonder if it does with anything."

The man in white chuckled again. "Oh you of little faith, you believe that I can make your heart whole, can I not make your heart complete?"

She pondered what he meant, when he called someone from behind the tree.

"Charlie, come out."

A boy of her age came into view as he walked from behind the tree. He hesitated at first and was peeking before he found the courage to step out. He was lowering his head and taking glimpses at her as he walked closer. She inclined her head, looking curiously at him. The boy blushed as she kept staring at him. He stopped a short distance between her and the lord.

"Lily, this is Charlie. Charlie, this is Lily," the Lord introduced. Charlie nodded lightly at her. She smiled back.

"He has been hiding behind the tree all this time. He has also given his heart to me and has been following me ever since," the man in white explained. Then he pulled out something from his clothes. It was another crystal heart. Lily stared in awe as it was a very beautiful crystal heart that looks like a deep and clear ocean with the sun shining. It was sapphire-colored and glowing. She has never seen a color so bold and strong, but makes you feel cool and calm at the same time. She can't help but stare at it with twinkle in her eyes.