Souled

The present-day was like any other.

The birds were whistling, the wind was whirling, and the sky dazzled with sunshine. She felt this every time she cycled through the tunes of luscious green bushes and shrubbery.

The enclosure surrounding her was no less than a treat to the sour eyes. It had the power to turn bitter words into musical lyrics. As the distance mushroomed, the hue of the cherry blossom tree waned, yet in the end, it still looked beautiful.

There was something tranquil about the environment that made her feel at ease and added a sparkle to her face. There was consolation, a sense of comfort, as if you were a child of nature.

One cannot deny that good settings bring joy and positivity to the creatures living inside them. There is a calmness and assurance that no force in the world can harm you. There is no negativity, recognition of vengeance, or severe retaliation.

Even a fleeting look or experience of the beauty encompassing her made her mesmerized. Passers-by briefly acknowledged her as she cycled her way through the crowds, smiled, and said "hello" to her.

She responded by grinning back at them.

The children who had been sprinting through or strolling alongside one of their parents or guardians joyfully waved at her, called out her name, and some even gave her a hi-fi as she rode past them.

Even though she felt at home on the one hand, she occasionally experiences a lingering sensation of desolation deep inside her.

Heather Crown strongly believed that everyone has a purpose in life, but she was still seeking one.

The folks in the village regarded her as a pure soul. They saw her as a reservoir of health and prosperity.

She never saw herself as one, but nonetheless, she always respectfully acknowledged them with a thankful grin.

What else could she possibly say to them?

She felt warm and adored just by how they treated her.

With respect and dignity.

The people in this town had become her family in just two short years. When she had nowhere else to turn, they took her in. They had fostered and raised her. They provided her with food, clothing, and a roof over her head rather than merely turning away and allowing her to fend for herself. When she was dumped at their door with no dignity, they welcomed her with open arms as if she were one of their own.

If Heather could stand on her own two feet and live a fulfilling life today, it was because of this town, yet she always felt that something was awry.

Despite having everything she could ever need and dream of, she still felt something was lacking. Her sheer existence on this planet did not fulfil her life's purpose.

She helped others, worked hard, and thrived, yet she could not shake the feeling of belongingness in the world.

Although she did not think of herself as a remarkable woman, deep down in her heart, she knew she was also not meant to exist as a commoner in this world.

Heather Crown was confident that her purpose of existence was significant. She could not place it, but she had a nagging feeling that something pertinent awaited her.

She lived each day in the hope that she would find her goal, but at the end of each day, just as she was about to collapse in her bed in defeat, all she felt was a slight sense of satisfaction from having helped the villagers who had taken her in and treated her as one of their own.

But it did not stop her from being persistent. Although she had not yet discovered her inner calling, she was still pursuing her passion and using her skills to help others in need.

She was currently in the store looking for herbs that could ease the agony and mend the wounds of people in need.

"Good day, Heather. What can I get for you today?" Mr. Oscar greeted her as he kept the money in one of his drawers.

Mr. Oscar, a 102-year-old man, has been managing the medical emporium with the help of his 65-year-old son, his 25-year-old grandson, and his 135-year-old elderly father. Heather has always admired the energy with which he and his family pursue their venture while contributing back to the community.

Their emporium had been in operation in the village since the inception of the Oscars family.

The neighborhood is aware of Oscar's skill in handling and distributing herbs. Whether for medicinal or sous-vide purposes.

At the Oscar Emporium, all varieties of herbs can be found.

Whatever sort of herb you desire, they will obtain it for you with an honest smile on their face, and this is one of the prime reasons for their success.

"I am currently running low on Curcuma Longa," Heather responded to him with a smile on her face.

"I will get it for you. The most recent consignment of Tanacetum Parthenium just arrived. Would you like me to wrap that for you as well?"

Oscars have always been able to sell her some extra herbs, and it always came to her help when she least anticipated it, as well as the other folks from what they had shared. They seemed to be able to sense it with a sixth sense.

She was willing to buy Tanacetum Parthenium even if she did not need it. In an emergency, one never knows what they might require.

Heather smiled gratefully and gently replied, "If you may, please."

Oscars always had a bizarre sense of hearing a person's aid before one even knew it. One might consider their suggestion of selling additional item as a business strategy, but people in this village have known the Oscars for their goodwill and generosity. Moreover, it had been a long time since she had stopped questioning their capabilities and accepted everything graciously that they had to offer.

She handed him the change for the items she purchased and maintained a heartful conversation with him for a little while about his family's health before cycling back to her home, which was not too far from the emporium.