Part 18

The moon remained hidden behind clouds, yet the night had lightened slightly, and the stars shone in the distant sky as witnesses to their sorrow.

By the side of the road, they spotted an old stump. They decided to rest there. It was the remnant of an ancient banyan tree whose massive trunk once cast shade for travellers. Now, only the dead wood remained, a silent witness to the cruelty of time.

Usuf sat on the stump, resting his head in his hands. His black hair was tousled, fatigue marking his handsome features, though the fire of anger still burned in his eyes. Salih sat beside him, resting a hand on Usuf’s shoulder, trying to offer comfort.

“Brother, there’s no use being angry,” Salih said softly, his voice carrying a touch of deep compassion.
“People are afraid. On a dark night, anyone seeing strangers might be suspicious.”

Usuf looked at him, bitterness shadowing his expression.
“But we did nothing wrong. We only asked for shelter.”

Nearby, their horses grazed quietly, their laboured breathing betraying fatigue. In the cold night air, their warm breaths formed small clouds.

After a few moments, Salih noticed something moving in the darkness ahead. At first, it looked like a shadow, but gradually it became clear—a person was coming toward them. His steps were slow, as if carrying a heavy burden.

Salih’s eyes sharpened. Even in the dim light, he could make out a donkey carrying a heavy load—bundles of cloth, perhaps some sacks of food, and other items. The donkey moved slowly, head lowered, weary from the long journey.

The man’s face was still unclear, but his posture suggested he might be a merchant, or perhaps someone bringing goods from a distant village to the market.

“Usuf, look,” Salih said, pointing toward the approaching figure. “Someone’s coming.”

Usuf looked and felt a flicker of hope in his eyes.
“Maybe this man can help us—at least with finding the road.”

Salih and Usuf glanced at each other. The same thought ran through both their minds—maybe this man could help them, at least give some advice about where to stay for the night.

They both stood up. Usuf’s tall frame and broad shoulders, and Salih’s handsome face, made them look like two warriors in the darkness. Their clothes were dishevelled from the long journey, but their presence and charisma could not be hidden.

They slowly approached the man, careful not to scare him. Usuf tried to calm his anger, forcing a polite smile onto his face.

But the man froze as soon as he saw them. In the dark, the shadows of two tall, handsome young men struck fear into his heart. He immediately made up his mind—they must be bandits.

At this hour, on this lonely road, two strong and beautiful young men—surely they had some hidden, sinister purpose. In his eyes, these strangers were thieves. His whole body trembled with fear.

The man appeared to be around fifty. Lines of worry marked his face; his eyes glimmered with fear. His hands shook, and his legs seemed unable to carry him further. Even the donkey had stopped, as if sensing the gravity of the situation.

In a trembling voice, he said, “Please, brothers… take whatever you need, but don’t harm me.”

His voice quivered with fear. His eyes were wet with tears. His whole body seemed frozen in terror.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small leather pouch of coins, holding it out in front of him. The trembling pouch danced in his hands. This tiny bag probably held all the savings he had in his life.

Usuf and Salih looked at each other, astonished. Did they hear him right? A man, thinking they were thieves, was offering all he had?

Usuf’s mouth fell open in surprise. Only moments ago, he had been seething with anger; now he was speechless. Salih’s beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.

They both realised just how misleading their appearance and presence could be. People who should have helped them now saw them as a threat.

In the quiet of the night, only the donkey’s breathing and the man’s pounding heart could be heard. The situation had taken a turn nobody expected.

Moments passed slowly, almost unbearably. Usuf and Salih stood like statues. Their faces reflected such deep astonishment that no sound came from their mouths. In the cold night air, their warm breaths formed little clouds, but inside, they felt a strange, muffled tension.

The fire of anger still burned in Usuf’s dark eyes, now mixed with a profound sense of despair. His muscular body was tense, like a warrior ready for battle. But… who was he to fight? With this innocent, terrified man? Or with himself?

Salih’s handsome face showed deeper lines of worry. He understood the seriousness of the moment. They were not just without shelter—they had become a cause of fear for a human being.

Seeing them remain silent, the man panicked even more. His eyes seemed about to pop out of fear, his heart beating wildly. He assumed Usuf and Salih were planning something, surely going to take everything he had.

He thought they might even take his donkey. In terror, his voice trembled as he said, “This donkey… it’s my only source of income. If you take it, I’ll be left stranded.”