i remember..

the little girl gazed into the open sea.. imagining the busy port.. workers carrying sacks of spices from the boats to the pier.. supervisors yelling at the labourers.. passengers sitting around the dock waiting for their ferries..

she smiled and felt excited.. she felt a hand on her shoulder.. a familiar touch. "those were the times.. people work very hard to provide for their family. they have a lot of responsibilities. when you grow up, my dear girl, you must be hardworking too.
we must be honest and humble, no matter what we do."

the little girl turned and looked. she saw the tired weary eyes..but she felt the warmth and strength in the old man..
"is everyone nice and humble?" she asked innocently.
the old man smiled and said, "there will be people who will upset you and who will treat you bad.. but you must never lose hope because of them.. turn to those who love you and care for you.."

the girl suddenly felt afraid.. she clutched on to the old man's hand and held on tight.
"my dear girl.. you have nothing to fear. be strong, you know i will always be around." the voice of the old man was so soothing..

she opened her eyes and looked at her hand.. it was empty.. the man was gone.
she teared.