The quietest tale of love

⏱ ~4 min reading

This is the quietest fairy tale in the world.

There are almost no words in it. There are no dragons. There are no wizards. There are no princesses in castles and knights on horses. There is not even a forest and a river.

There is only one thing in it. The most important thing.

Love.

So listen carefully. Or rather, don't listen. Just close your eyes. Breathe slowly. And imagine with me.

Imagine… you’re lying in your crib. Adjust the pillow under your head. Pull your legs out under the blanket—it’s warm there. Place your hands wherever you feel most comfortable. Maybe one under your cheek. Maybe both under your chin, like a tiny chick.

Now imagine.

Imagine being hugged by the one who loves you more than anything in the world.

Imagined it? Yes. Exactly.

His hands hold you. Not tightly. Not too hard. Gently. Like they hold the most precious little treasure. Like you're a gentle sparrow that can't be scared.

His warmth envelops you. It comes from everywhere. From his chest. From his cheek, which is pressed against your hair. From his breath, which is barely warming your temple. You are not cold. Not at all. You are warm, warm.

His heart beats somewhere next to yours. Calmly. Evenly. Knock-knock. Knock-knock. And your heart starts beating with it. In the same rhythm. Knock-knock. Knock-knock.

Quietly.

Quietly.

Safely.

This is a real bedtime story. Do you understand? It doesn't need a plot. It doesn't need characters or a resolution. It only needs one thing — for you to feel. Just feel. Here. Now.

Love lasts longer than any dream.

When you fall asleep, she will stay. The dream will end in the morning, but she will be with you. She will be with you in bed when you wake up. In your heart when you get up and stretch. In your dreams, even when you don't remember what you dreamed. Everywhere.

And in the morning, when the first rays of sunshine peek through your window, when the kettle is turned on in the kitchen and the smell of warm bread wafts through, she will be there. Waiting. As she always waits. Patiently. Without any demands. She will just be.

Now close your eyes again.

Yes. Stronger.

Feel the hug.

Who do you think this is? Who is hugging you in your imagination right now?

Maybe mom. Her hands are soft, warm. She smells familiar—her cream, her shampoo, her skin that you've known since you were born. She doesn't say anything. She just breathes next to you. And that makes peace flow inside, like warm milk.

Maybe, dad. His hands are big, reliable. Like the walls of a good hut. He holds you so that nothing is scary. Not a shadow will enter the room. Not a single «what if» will touch you. Dad is near. Dad holds you.

Maybe grandma. Her hugs smell of raspberry jam, dry herbs, an old soft sweater. Grandma hugs not quickly, but slowly and for a long time. She is never in a hurry. She has time — like in fairy tales, limitless.

Maybe grandpa. His hugs are a little prickly because his cheek is unshaven. But they are so kind, so infinitely kind, that you don't notice it at all.

Whoever it is, it's someone who loves you. They love you simply for who you are. Not because you've done anything good. Not because you're obedient. Just. For everything.

And most importantly — listen carefully — he is with you even when he is not in your room. Do you understand? Even if mom is cooking in the kitchen right now. Even if dad is at work. Even if grandma lives in another city, far, far away.

Love knows no distance.

It goes through walls. Through floors. Through cities. Through seas. Through everything in the world. If someone loves you, they are with you. Always. No matter where you are.

Yes. Quiet. Quiet. Breathe.

Inhale - you are loved.

Exhale - you are loved.

Breathe in - forever.

Exhale - always.

If you are hearing these words right now with someone close to you, reach out and touch them. They are here. They are close. And if you are listening alone, hug your pillow. Hug your blanket. Hug your teddy bear. And know that all these hugs are coming to you from someone. From someone who loves you.

Good night, bright sun.

You are loved.

Always.

Go to sleep, my darling. Love is here. It is not going anywhere. It will stand by you all night long—and all the nights that will come. Good night.