31/08/2025
Old Man Elias was known in the village as the man with the kindest heart. No matter who came to his doorstep—beggar, stranger, or even those who had once wronged him—he always offered food, shelter, or advice. People said his heart was as deep as the ocean, but like the ocean, few truly understood it.
One day, a traveler came to the village. He was charming, smooth-talking, and quick to call Elias “father.” Elias, with his ever-giving heart, welcomed him into his home, shared his bread, and even trusted him with small tasks. For weeks, the traveler stayed, and Elias treated him like family.
But whispers soon spread in the village. The traveler was not who he claimed to be. He took without giving, lied without shame, and used Elias’s kindness as a shield. Each time someone tried to warn Elias, he only smiled and said, “It is better to be good than bitter.”
Then one morning, Elias awoke to find his savings gone, his tools missing, and the traveler vanished without a trace. The betrayal pierced him like a dagger, not because of the stolen possessions, but because he had given so much of his heart to the wrong person.
Sitting on his porch that evening, Elias told the young ones gathered around him:
“Sometimes, children, you will suffer in life. Not because you are bad people, but because you do not yet know when to stop being good to the wrong person. Learn this lesson: kindness is a gift, but it must be given with wisdom. Not every hand that reaches out deserves to hold your heart.”
From that day on, the story of Old Man Elias was told around fires and in homes, reminding everyone that goodness is a treasure—but even treasure must be guarded from thieves.
