Hope Fades

“Are all the good times in the past?” Torba said.

“What do you mean? We have this warm fire and a bottle of wine, is that not enough?” asked Marcel.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sour your mood. Please have another drink, and we’ll sing some more,” replied Marcel’s friend.

“A capital idea. Let’s sing of the old days,” said Marcel.

The two had traveled from Marseille to take work in the vineyards at Aix-en-Provence.

“Tomorrow will bring work and a full belly. Soon our troubles will take wings and sail far away,” remarked Marcel.

The two sang of lost loves and adventures never taken. Torba stopped and sat in silence, gazing into the flames, thinking of a future yet lived.

“I’m getting old, Marcel. My bones tell me I should be resting in awarm bed next to a good woman,” said Torba.

“Ah, it is a woman who troubles you. Take my advice, my friend, life is not whole when you take those vows. Life finds a way to wear you down,” said his friend.

“Yes, I see your point. It’s that hope fades and the promise of a better tomorrow seems farther than ever,” Torba said.

Handing the wine to his friend, Marcel laughed out loud.

“My dear Torba, didn’t anyone ever tell you Pandora caught hope. This allows us to spend a lifetime waiting for an outcome that never arrives,” said Marcel.

“I have heard that somewhere,” said Torba, taking another drink of the wine.

“We are alive, let’s not waste it. Look at the sky, each star a diamond in the rough,” cried Marcel.

“You’re right as always. Let’s sing another round of the old songs from our youth,” Torba said.

The next morning, the friends arrived at the vineyard and began working in the fields. That evening, they slept under the stars with full bellies and the satisfaction of a day well spent.

“Goodnight, Marcel,” said Torba.

“Goodnight, Torba. Tomorrow brings new hope and hot sausages and tea,” said Marcel.

“That’s good enough for me,” whispered Torba with a wry smile.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/folksburywoods/