la douleur exquise

1

"Harmonia you have to do this."  her father pleaded 

''But father I cant leave , I have to be with you." 

"oh my dear child how long do u want to be tied down to  old man like me" 

Harmonia Herrmann was 19 years old now . Her  father wanted her to get married to a wealthy man like every father wishes for but Harmonia had other plans . Her father Stephan was the town doctor . After her mother died  it has only been Harmonia and her father ,who she dears so much . 

unlike other women in the town Harmonia wasn't the most prettiest but she was one of the only woman who can read and write . Her father was the only doctor in the town and she helped him . Her fathers forgetfulness didn't make it any better  . She didn't want to leave her father , she want to learn more not get married and start a family . Her train of thoughts were  interrupted by the voice of her father .

''Well whatever you think makes you happy,'' he looked at her with loving eyes and with a smile he said ''You are just like your mother '' he held her face between his rough calloused hands and kissed her forehead . Harmonia smiled , her mother was a great woman . Although she didn't have much memory, her mother was a gentle woman . her mother loved books and was a doctor just like her father . Her mother's love for Greek mythology let to her name Harmonia .

''My child go to the market and get me these things'' said the old man as he passed her a wrinkled piece of paper with a list of items . She grabbed her coat and hat and  her basket and went outside their hut . There she witnessed the lively town at its glory . Women washing their clothes or pulling water from the well. Children running around chasing after hens and laughing within them self .

"morning Harmonia" said the young shopkeeper

"morning Issac,how is business today?"

"its just like always" answers the man and picked up the item she needed and placed it in the basket for her . "how is your  father doing?" he asked as he carefully placed some oranges ."he is doing well, thank you for asking" she gave him a smile and left after paying for the things .she walked to the town library . it was a quite a small place but it made her happy .She walked up to the old building  .

''Good morning Mr  Walter" she greeted the old man .

"oh, good morning Harmonia, how are u doing child?" he asked lifting his glasses from his nose .

"i just went to get somethings , how about you mr Walter?" she asked browsing through the books tracing her fingers through each book ."Mr Walter , did any new books come in?"she kept her eyes on the books .

"Books?? well no new books have come in"he said with a sigh ."You are  one of the few people  that ever comes in here for reading ." he looked up to the girl who was absorbed in her book .

"I have read all these books. i want to read something new ."she complained ,kicking her feet in a very child -like manner .The old man laughed at that child- like display .He walked up to the young girl and placed his firm hands on her head .

"well if you are really that interested ,i have something for you " on hearing that Harmonia slowly lifted her head to face the old man who smiled at her softly. She followed him to a smaller room which was well kept. The room looked like her fathers study room. Few stray books along with a candle lamp which lit up almost half the room .A single table and chair sat in the very end of the room and dozens of paper works.

'' Welcome to my study room'' the old man extended his arms as if he was showing of a magic trick .Watching the man with confusion she walked into the room cautiously. She scanned the whole room with her brown hazel eyes.She was astonished by the view . She traced the books with her finger and took in the smell of the place . She was engulfed by the rooms earthy smell.

"Such a small place but the knowledge and unique beauty it beholds " she said feeling a different feeling of euphoria . The old man smiled at the young girl's admiration .

''Well one day when i die this knowledge will be yours to share." his words surprised her . She looked at the man with wide eyes.

with confusion in her voice she said "what do u mean by that " .The old man kept his eyes on a book as he spoke "A old man like me,i dont have much time . My health is getting worst day by day , so one day when i leave for the ones above i want u to take my research works .No one else would put to good use like u do ." he lifted his eyes from the book and walked towards the girl . He placed a book in her hands and continuing "This is a book about stars and the moon , since no new books are coming ill give u this .''

''The stars?" she flipped the yellow pages of the book and saw pretty diagrams . "with this book you can trace the path of the moon and learn think about the night u haven't even seen ." 

"Are u sure i can have this?" her pleading eyes said something else .He gave her a warm smile and nodded . "knowledge is better when its shared" the mans said before he felt the girl engulf him in a hug . She let go and bid the man good bye and ran home excited to show her father her new book.

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