One serene day, I found myself in the quiet embrace of a temple, seeking solace amidst the tranquility of the sacred hall. My eyes wandered, drawn to an elderly woman who sat silently in a secluded corner, clad in tattered attire. Her eyes, like deep oceans, glistened with tears.Intrigued and concerned, I quietly took a seat beside her. She murmured words of prayer, the cadence of her voice like a soft breeze that eluded my understanding. "Why are you crying?" I asked softly.

Startled, she replied, "I am not shedding tears."

But I had seen the glisten in her eyes. "Tears betray your words," I gently remarked.

With a voice heavy with sorrow, she confided, "Yesterday, my father and sister departed this world".
After those heavy words she muttered "Can you hear the bells ringing? It's so peaceful isn't it?"

As I pondered her cryptic words, she rose and silently departed. I chose not to follow her, respecting her desire for solitude.
Later, as I was about to leave the temple, a gathering of people caught my attention. I joined the curious crowd and discovered that the elderly woman had peacefully passed away near the temple staircase.Her final moments remained a mystery, but I couldn't help but wonder if those faint bells, invisible to my ears, had played a role in her serene departure...

#shortstory #mystery
© H.L Sanuthmee