When Miracles Aren’t Enough
Chapter 6
The villagers stood in awe, their eyes fixed on the magnificent sandalwood tree that had inexplicably appeared overnight. Its rich, exotic fragrance wafted through the air, enveloping everyone in a sense of wonder and disbelief.
After numerous questions, there was silence.
Mr. Peterson, the blacksmith, broke the silence. “Well, I am surprised. I have never seen such a tree in this area.
Mrs. Jenkins, the schoolteacher, approached cautiously. “It’s impossible. Sandalwood doesn’t grow here. How could this be?”
Sarah stepped forward, her face glowing with excitement. “Thenga did it! He promised he’d give us a sign so you’d believe me. Now you see he’s real!”
The villagers exchanged uncertain glances. Mr. Miller adjusted his hat nervously. “Sarah, are you saying a man from your dreams made this tree appear?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Thenga wants to visit our village. If we light a bonfire in the playground, he can find us from the sky.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Some faces showed intrigue, others skepticism.
Mrs. Jenkins folded her arms. “Now, Sarah, dreams are just that—dreams. There’s got to be a logical explanation for this.”
“But how else can you explain the tree?” Sarah implored. “It wasn’t here yesterday, and sandalwood doesn’t grow in our area due to the climate.”
Mr. Harris rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe someone planted it as a prank.”
“Overnight? And fully grown?” Sarah’s father interjected gently. “That seems unlikely.”
Mrs. Whitman shook her head. “Even so, lighting a bonfire in the playground isn’t safe. We have children to think about.”
Others nodded in agreement. “She’s right,” Mr. Wilson added. “We can’t risk starting a fire based on a dream.”
Sarah’s father was deeply upset at this. He said it’s ridiculous to say lighting a bonfire is not safe. He continued, “If you do not wish to help us, just say that, but do not say any silly excuses as if a bonfire is not safe.
Sarah’s excitement began to wane. “But this is our chance to learn from Thenga! He wants to share knowledge with us.”
Her mother placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Sweetheart, perhaps we should give everyone time to think.”
Feeling the weight of disappointment, Sarah looked around at the familiar faces. “Don’t you see? This is something extraordinary!”
Emily stepped forward, her eyes pleading. “Maybe we could find a safe way to have a small fire?”
Mrs. Jenkins sighed softly. “Children, we appreciate your imaginations, but we have to be practical. There’s work to be done and we don’t have time for gathering.”
Sensing the villagers’ hesitation hardening into refusal, Sarah’s father spoke up. “Thank you all for coming. Perhaps we can discuss this another time.”
The crowd began to disperse, murmurs of doubt and skepticism trailing behind them. The enchanting scent of the sandalwood lingered, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
As the last of the villagers departed, Sarah sat down on the porch steps, her shoulders slumped. “Why won’t they believe me?” she whispered.
Her father sat beside her. “Change is hard for people. Believing in something unseen requires a leap of faith.”
Her mother joined them, wrapping an arm around Sarah. “Sometimes, even when presented with a miracle, people find it hard to accept.”
Tears welled in Sarah’s eyes. “I thought the tree would convince them.”
Her father gazed thoughtfully at the sandalwood. “Perhaps in time, it will. For now, we must be patient.”
That evening, the family shared a quiet dinner. The usual lively chatter was replaced with contemplative silence. Afterward, Sarah retreated to her room, the weight of the day’s events heavy on her heart.
As night enveloped the village, she climbed into bed, hoping sleep would bring her solace. Soon, the familiar haze of dreams enveloped her, and she found herself once again in the luminous field where she first met Thenga.
He appeared before her, his eyes reflecting concern. “Hello, Sarah.”
“Thenga,” she sighed, relief and sorrow mingling in her voice. “They didn’t believe me. They won’t light the bonfire.”
He nodded gently. “I sensed your disappointment.”
“I thought the sandalwood tree would be enough,” she said, her gaze dropping to the glowing grasses beneath her feet.
“Sometimes, people are afraid of what they don’t understand,” Thenga replied softly. “But do not lose heart. Your courage shines brightly.”
She looked up at him, searching for hope. “What should I do now?”
“Continue to be yourself,” he encouraged. “Share your kindness and wisdom. In time, others may open their hearts.”
“But how will you find us without the bonfire?” she asked.
He smiled reassuringly. “There are other ways. Our connection is strong. Trust that we will meet when the time is right.”
Feeling a sense of calm wash over her, Sarah nodded. “I won’t give up.”
“Good,” Thenga replied. “Remember, true belief comes from within. Hold onto your dreams.”
As the dream began to fade, his voice echoed gently. “Until we meet again.”