The Lake Girl (full story) by Asmaa Nada

doctor. A lady from the city told me that you have a doctor who can restore youth to old people like me.
The village governor approached with a smile on his face and said
Welcome to our village our daughter will take care of you. See you in the evening after we return from the lake.
The governor motioned for the rest of the men to follow him then returned to the ships for the lake. After the governor moved away the stranger turned and said to the gir
Run away if you can. No one will believe you after today. Run away. Those you protect and treat will watch your death and none of them will help you. That village is not what you see it. They are devils who do not have the goodness of your heart.
Samar Why do you say this? You did not live among them to know them.
The stranger smiled and said Today will be the celebration of eternal youth right?
Samar answered him with a smile that did not disappear from her face Yes that is true. Today the lake will open and reveal the land of eternity in the middle of which is the fountain of perpetual youth. They say this happens every eighteen years but sir these are only legends and there are no facts in them.
The man smiled and said Didnt you notice anything in the years you spent in this village?
Samar What exactly are you talking about?
The strange man about your father for example
Samar was silent for a while thinking then said My father is a generous charitable man. He is the ruler of the village. There is nothing strange about him.

Strange Man Is he getting old? I dont see any signs of aging on him.
Samar laughed and said Indeed there are no signs of aging for any man or woman in this village but this is due to the herbs from which I make medicines.
The strange man shook his head and said Where is your mother?

Samar My father told me that she died when I was five years old.
Strange Man How old was she when she ded?
Samar I dont know my father didnt tell me.
The strange man Your father is one hundred and eighty years old. Anyone who sees him thinks he is thirty or forty at the most. Your mother died when she was eighteen and two months old.
Samar How do you know that? What makes me believe what you say?
The strange man said Be patient I will prove it to you but answer me why the girls children do not reach the age of eighteen and why the girls do not reach the age of fifteen. Did you not notice their disappearance?
Samar They do not disappear they just leave the village. I dont know the reason for their departure in reality but my father told me that girls get married and go with their husbands to populate other villages and boys leave yes but they get married and leave their children in the village before they leave and I believe that they leave because they are forced to marry while they are Fourteen years old and they have no choice.
Strange man How old are you?
Samar Eighteen to two days later the day after tomorrow is my birthday and my father insists on me marrying a friend