Treasure...

They took off in search of treasure just like everyone else in the village. They both carried heavy ransacks on their shoulders. Their petite body seemed unable to withstand the weight making them look as if they were going to topple any moment. But they continued walking. He told her, “Let me know if you need to rest.” She simply smiled at him. The team of two had been good friends from young. And here they are pursuing treasure in the big unknown. For him, that treasure would certainly turn him into a noble, for her, it would change her wretched life into luxury. Both had promised to divide the grand prize equally, but of course, promises are bound to be broken.

Their destination was unknown for their only clue was ‘glittering crystals’. They searched deep caverns in the jungle, crossed endless desert and climbed every mountain but to no avail. All they had seen were either bland rocks and stones or clear crystals that were not glittering. It had been a week away from their comfort zone and hopelessness seemed had worn them out. But when they thought of the obstacles they had overcame, they saw no reason to go home empty handed for all their effort would be unfruitful.

As they crossed a deep valley, he asked her, “We may never find that treasure, so why are you still following me?” She replied, “After you saved me in that cave, I somehow feel secure around you. And who is going to cook dinner if I am not around?” Both laughed their hearts out and continued walking. They braved storms and heat together, had breakfast, lunch and dinner together but their relationship remained still as good friends. When they reached another plateau, it was already nightfall. They prepared their beds without realizing that something were watching them, waiting to strike when the time was ripe. As the flame soon died out, they crept out of their hideouts and approached their meal. They came in packs and their saliva began to drool out as they got nearer. Their empty stomachs were growling for they had not had a feast for quite a while. And when this opportunity arrived, they made no hesitation to satisfy their unbearable hunger for food.

Just when one of them began to prowl on him, he jumped out of his bed and with him was his trusted companion, a dagger. The fight for survival between man and beast had just begun. Meanwhile, she was sleeping soundly, safe from the pack of wolves. The following morning, she crawled out of her bed only to find him sitting on a giant rock. As she got closer, she could smell something was fishy. She found him, mending his wounds. There were bite marks, cuts and blood streamed down his arms and legs. His eyes seemed to have lost its luster. She did not know what had happened until she noticed a pile of dead wolves behind him. Astonished, she helped him mend his wounds hoping that it could ease his pain.

She nurtured him back to fitness. She fed him daily and removed his bandages when they got worn out. She showed much tenderness and concern that they slowly moved his heart. Never had he seen her in this way. She found him very brave to have protected her from the wolves putting his life on the line. He could have run away and hide but he did not. His courageous action had stolen her heart. Nevertheless, they tried not to show it. Perhaps, they felt that being good friends for ages, all that remained were childhood memories and nothing more.
It had been more than a month now and he had fully recovered from his injuries. They had arrived in a small town. They asked the town folks about the ‘glittering crystals’, hoping they could get more clue. They shook their heads. Finally, the two approached the town chief. He told them, “Come, let me provide you with a place to spend the night. It can be very chilling out here.” The hospitality they received was overwhelming. He served them with a hearty meal together with his family members. They sat down on the dinner table and for once in more than a month, they had a proper meal. It was after the wonderful dinner that he invited them to the basement. He showed them an underground tunnel and led them to a dead end. Their only guide was a small candle that barely lighted their path. When they arrived, he told them, “I believe this what you have been looking for.” He raised his hand and on the walls of the dead end were the ‘glittering crystals’. It radiance was magnificent. Finally, their dreams had come true. He continued, “You may take them if you like. These are worthless treasure I found a year ago.” They were shocked. He explained to them that rumours had spread far and wide, exaggerating the news of those glittering crystals. In fact, many who believed that these rocks were priceless risked their wealth and lives. And they came home torn, tattered and empty handed. Disappointed, they headed back to his house.

The following morning, they thanked the town chief and left his fine cottage. They arrived at a bridge and stopped for a while. They looked at the clear water of the stream and sighed, knowing that all their efforts had summed up to nothing. He began, “Well, I may never become a noble but I guess; I still have you around.” She turned to him and uttered softly, “Yeah, I feel the same way. Having you around is enough treasure for me.” They smiled fondly at each other, knowing that after all they had been through; they had finally found the ‘glittering crystals’. They were their eyes that sparkled with burning passion. He put his arms around her and she quickly replied him with a comforting hug. Perhaps, some treasures were not meant to be found in this world but they could be found in one’s eyes, smile or heart. To them, having each other’s companion is the greatest treasure they had ever found.