Page 11 - Ebook-Amin-E

Amin (sadly looking down)
But what can one do to find those one has lost, Halima? Is there any way of meeting them?

Halima
They say those we love are never far away, even if they have gone to the other side of life!
Those who really love must someday meet again, even if it is after death. Life is a mystery,
my darling child; one cannot say much about these matters. You are too young yet to think
of such things. You will know when the time comes.
Amin
When will that time come, Halima? I should so much like to know all these things.
Halima
It won't be long, my child. When one thinks how quickly the days pass, years slip by before
we look at them. One day you will be grown up and will think out things as every thoughtful
man does. It is only a matter of time. Now go and take a look round the farm; see if every-
thing is in order.

(AMIN goes, HALIMA sits down).
Halima
What a privilege it is for me to bring up this orphan! What trust his mother, peace be on her,
gave me! But it is a responsibility, a great responsibility to bring up this child who is unlike
anyone.
(enter TALIB).

Talib
Here I am, Halima. Did you send for me?

Halima
Yes, Talib. Come in, sit comfortably.

Talib
It is long indeed since I saw you last. How are you getting on? Nicely, Halima?

Halima
No woman on earth could be as privileged as I am, having charge of this darling child. I
have never seen or known a boy like Amin, your nephew, bless him! He is so affectionate
and tender, so thoughtful and considerate that never a cross word have I heard from him. At
moments I have been impatient with him, but he never talked back at me. He is most affec-
tionate to the children of his age, gentle with all who come here; he has regard for his elders.
Young as he is, he thinks like a much older person. Indeed, he is an old soul. His feelings are
deep, and yet he is so innocent that very often I notice in him something of his babyhood.

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