The World They Left Behind

That night, Kashgar felt like another world—a place where dreams met reality. Lanterns swayed gently in the night air, casting a soft glow that blended seamlessly with the glittering stars in the sky. The cobblestone streets were adorned with shifting shadows that danced with each step, while the hum of the lively market enveloped the atmosphere with an indefinable rhythm.

For Nico, this magic wasn't just about the extraordinary sights they encountered but also about how far he'd come from who he used to be. "I never thought the world could be this beautiful," Nico murmured, his voice nearly drowned out by the surrounding bustle.

Sana turned to him, gripping his hand firmly. Her warm brown eyes radiated understanding. "The world is beautiful, Nico. We just need time to stop and truly see it."

They continued walking, their steps blending with the market's reverberating rhythm. But Nico's thoughts seemed adrift, diving into memories that were hard to ignore. He glanced at Sana, his gaze carrying something deeper than words could convey.

"I never imagined, Sana... my life used to feel so... empty," he said slowly, his voice tinged with painful honesty.

Sana looked at him, silently encouraging him to continue. There was no pressure in her gaze, only a gentle nudge that made Nico feel comfortable enough to speak.

"I would just lie in bed. Doing nothing. Eating, bathing—sometimes I couldn't even be bothered. I spent my days watching movies, scrolling through social media, repeating the same routine every day. You know what I mean, right?"

Sana nodded softly, her eyes showing genuine understanding.

"My life was slowly spiraling into ruin," Nico continued, his voice low, almost a whisper swallowed by the night. "I never exercised. I hated going outside. I ate carelessly—fast food I ordered because it was convenient. Staying up late for no reason, drinking too much coffee, even alcohol. I was like an old machine rusting away, waiting to stop working. My life... it was numb."

His steps slowed. Nico paused for a moment, gazing at the lanterns swaying gently above them. Their light reflected soft shadows on his face, which was full of emotion. "But then I came to this world. Somehow, everything changed. It feels like... I got my life back."

He looked down at his feet, a faint, almost invisible smile on his lips. "And you know what's the most amazing part? My legs, Sana. My legs healed. I can walk again. I can feel all of this—the food, the crowds, the smiles of people, even this night breeze. My life feels meaningful again."

There was a shimmer of emotion in his eyes, but it wasn't sadness. This time, it was hope. "I fell into such a dark hole, Sana. Anxiety, stress, maybe even... mental illness. But now, I'm happy. I want to get better. And not just that—I want to help people here so they can enjoy their lives like I do now."

Sana simply listened, letting Nico speak from his heart. His words flowed like a river, carrying the burdens that had long weighed him down. She knew Nico was releasing something that had bound him for so long. Within her, Sana realized that even though Nico was a man in his thirties rediscovering his life, she, in her forties, felt the same: a rebirth.

A brief silence fell between them, filled only by the distant echo of the market. Sana offered a faint smile, gripping Nico's hand tighter. "Maybe we're not too late, Nico. This world has given us a second chance. And I believe, with your courage, you'll find even more reasons to live."

The night pressed on. They continued their journey down the streets of Akhasrgar, surrounded by wonders that beckoned them to keep moving forward. The lanterns swayed gently above, like guides pointing the way to a future full of newfound hope.

The night sky over Akhasrgar stretched wide above them, like a dark canvas adorned with thousands of stars. The evening air felt soft, carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers blooming along the path. The world around them seemed so magical, as if they were walking between dreams and reality.

"Before we head home, how about we stop by that Japanese stall?" Nico suggested enthusiastically, breaking the silence.

Sana smiled faintly and nodded. They followed the trail leading to a small eatery tucked away amidst the bustling night streets. The eatery looked modest, with red lanterns hanging by the entrance, radiating a warm light that invited anyone to step in. A savory yet sweet aroma wafted from the open kitchen, enticing their senses.

They chose a seat by a simple wooden table facing the street. A middle-aged man with a friendly smile approached them, wearing a worn apron that added to the eatery's authentic charm.

"What would you like to try? We have a new menu item that's very popular—Sushi Rice Ball," he said, his smile unwavering.

Nico tilted his head, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "Sushi Rice Ball? I've never heard of that before."

The man chuckled lightly, clearly pleased with Nico's reaction. "In our district, people love it. It's our new creation. And it's not just the Japanese who enjoy it; there are many Koreans here too."

Nico furrowed his brows, slightly surprised. "Koreans and Japanese in one district? You're joking, right?"

Once again, the man's warm smile didn't fade. "Of course not. Why? What's so surprising about that?"

Nico sighed, lowering his voice as if discussing something taboo. "You know... the history between Japan and Korea."

The man let out a small laugh, rolling up his sleeves as if preparing to explain something important. "Ah, you mean that dark history. Yes, it's not easy to forget. But here, we believe the gods brought us to this world to forgive one another. If we keep fighting, life here would only get harder."

Nico fell silent, processing the man's words. Yet, his curiosity remained unquenched. "And what about Korea? I mean, North and South Korea?"

The man placed a tray of their orders on the table, his eyes sparkling with understanding. "Oh, you mean their division? Here, Koreans don't talk about North or South. They simply call themselves Koreans—one nation, one family. They've realized that clinging to old conflicts only leads to more destruction. So, to prevent division, they're even forbidden from recounting their past. It's all for the sake of peace."

Sana smiled faintly, slipping a small piece of sushi into her mouth. "I think that's a very clever move," she remarked.

The man looked at Nico with curiosity. "But why are you so interested in past conflicts?"

Nico paused mid-chew, staring at his plate. "Actually, I'm from Soltera. You know, not far from here?"

The man nodded slowly.

"Over there, Europeans and Africans are still in conflict," Nico continued, his tone low. "Africans who were once colonized and enslaved are now turning the tables, oppressing the Europeans. They exploit, discriminate, and exact revenge for the dark past. But what's happening now is nothing compared to what they went through before slavery, colonization, all of it left deep scars."

He let out a long sigh, gazing at the lantern swaying gently above them. "I used to live there with a friend I met a few years before I left. He's still there, or at least that's what I last heard. Yesterday, I got a letter saying he's left the city. I can only hope he's doing well."

The man listened intently, his face serious yet gentle. "I understand why you're asking about past grudges," he said finally. "Sometimes, those grudges feel like wounds that need healing. But if we keep seeking revenge, it will never end. The only way is to kill the grudge itself and build genuine brotherhood."

He smiled warmly, sliding an extra plate onto their table. "Since you've shared your story, here's a bonus from us a new sushi menu item that's not on the list yet."