58: Lonely Hearts

Once upon a time there was a man who had a tiny heart.  He could never love a girl properly because there wasn't enough room in his heart for his love to grow.  He would start well but although he knew what love was, he couldn't show his love or find the words to express his love. 

So every girl he loved eventually tired of being unsure how important to him she was.  The man was mostly happy but sometimes he would feel lonely and wish he had a girl to share his life with.  He had friends and tried to be content with sharing their company instead.

One day the man met a new girl at the market.  She was beautiful and confident, kind and funny.  She showed compassion to the poor of the town and impressed the town's elders with her intelligence and good sense.  The man knew at once the girl was the perfect girl for him.  But his history made him frightened that he would never be able to love a girl so wonderful, so he said nothing.

For weeks many other men from the town tried to woo the new girl, whilst the man looked on.  He wished he had a bigger heart, so he could tell the girl that he loved her and if she loved him too, to make her happy forever.

The man went to see the town's doctors and asked for their help.  He explained his problem and how he wanted a larger heart so he could love the new girl if she would have him.  None of the doctors could help him and none had any idea how to make a tiny heart bigger.  He left, despondent, and walked and walked.

He found himself at the edge of the town and tired out, he sat on a tree stump, resting his head in his hands.  After a while the man became aware of someone watching him and he looked up, to see the girl standing close by.  She smiled at him, walked over and sat down.  She took his hand is hers, lacing her fingers between his.  She rested her head on his shoulder and he in turn rested his head on hers.

The man felt warmth and calm come over him, felt a soft popping in his chest.

“I can help you,” she said.  “Our hearts will grow larger together.”

Inspired by “Lab grows heart muscle from skin”