A LOVELY SOUL

Whenever I am out of the church and heading home, which is a walking distance. For love of snacks especially yummy biscuits, which I crave for every now and then; I take an interjectory road from the main road to a shop that has lovely and friendly people. With such kind gestures my loyalty is bought.

On my way there, a lovely garden well trimmed and beautiful as though advertised to get people asking for a number, welcomed me. If I knew then what I know now. I would have had a fixed memory to share with you. I would have flaunted it on the net that I met a beautiful soul behind an enticing tent made purely from live trees and flower plants.

In an uneventful day I met an elderly-looking man sitting in the tent with his dogs in the cool of the evening breeze.
As I passed by, the dogs began to bark as he sushed them.
I greeted.
Good evening Sir.
Elderly man: Hello young lady. How are you today?
I am doing great Sir. I responded with such pleasure and melody in my voice as he sounded so kind and friendly. He had on a big broad smile, through his thick white beard.

He didn't sound like I was just meeting him for the first time. That had me smiling for a period, even though short.

From then on I felt happy seeing him and even happier saying hello as he tended his garden project with such care and tenderness. Then I discovered it was his hobby and as a retiree he gave his time and wealth to create such a beauty. Just passing by the tent felt cool and soothing. I could only imagine how it felt with the covering of it.

Months passed and I didn't see my friendly friend. His carefully tended garden started becoming a shadow of its former self. I responded in my mind that he must have travelled. Boy was I deceiving myself.
It got worse as you can see below.

On a sad note, I made enquiries and discovered his garden will forever lay forlorn.

photo @wakeupkitty
The picture prompt above triggered the aforementioned story of a real-life experience. Will forever miss my friendly gardening friend.