I met her at the post office, and the post office in my area is located inside a stationery store. Despite her age, her elegance caught my attention. She reminded me of the Queen in her fashionable attire and cheerful colors, as if everyone of this age follows her lead in dress and smiles.
She stands firm with a magnifying glass in her hand at the greeting and congratulations cards shelf. I didn’t start with the usual question ("Do you need help?") because this is a logical and likable question in my home country. In Sharjah, it's similar. I remember hesitating to leave the mosque just to offer my older Quran memorization class peers a ride home, which was only a ten-minute walk away. But with the severe heat and humidity, it was hell for them.
In England, if you ask this question, some people consider it a strange and illogical question. Because usually the person on the street is still capable of taking care of themselves with some assistive devices or qualified people appointed by the state.
In the early days here, I offered assistance and was met with a kindly refusal. I watched the movements of this elegant grandmother due to my fascination with her stylish dress colored like a lavender flower, the scent of which I can almost smell now.
I smiled a light smile (which I eventually discovered she didn’t notice) and greeted her, hoping she would ask me for any request and I could get a stimulating dose of happiness and satisfaction, which would erase the bitterness of estrangement.
Indeed, she smiled and said, "There are so many cards, could you help me find one for my granddaughter? Her wedding is today and I want to write her a message." My face brightened, I rolled up my sleeves and started picking out suitable cards like I was picking flowers to make the finest bouquet for this delicate grandmother.
She began using her magnifying glass to scrutinize the card designs I presented to her as if she was examining the purity of a diamond piece. She appreciated my taste and chose a delicate lavender-colored design, the second choice I showed her.
Oh, grandmother, if you appear in all these purple flowers, and before them your delicate smile and charming, tired yet content eyes, you would have the gentlest presence in any place, no matter its sanctity. Peace be upon the tender hearts and weak eyes.
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