Saying Goodbye to Bella

One afternoon, the weight of the world seemed to hang heavily over the neighbourhood. Yet amid the faded buildings and dusty streets, the sound of children's laughter brought everything back to life.

Most afternoons, I would join them. Their voices bounced between Spanish and the occasional English word, and before long, I had become part of their world. 

"¿Cómo te llamas?" they would shout.

"What's your name?"

To them, I was simply Gringo — the brown gringo from a faraway land.

We played football in the streets, and for a few hours each day, language no longer mattered. Laughter filled the gaps where words could not. Among them was a little girl named Bella. With her big brown eyes, chubby cheeks, and perpetually snotty nose, she had a way of capturing everyone's attention. She gave me an endless attitude, often placing her tiny hands on her hips and pretending to be cross with me. It only made her more lovable.

As the days passed, Bella became my shadow.

Then came the afternoon when it was time to leave.

As the sun sank lower over the neighbourhood, I gathered my bag and said my goodbyes. Bella wrapped her arms around me and held on tightly. Then she asked if I would come back. I saw hope in her eyes and felt the weight of a promise I could not make. I told her I had to return to a faraway land. She did not understand. 

Before her first tear could fall, I lifted my camera and took this photograph.

Years have passed since that day in Panama City, yet I often find myself wondering what became of Bella. Did she finish school? Did she celebrate birthdays surrounded by friends? Did life unfold kindly for her?

I do not know.

What I do know is that somewhere in a small neighbourhood far from home, a little girl named Bella left a mark on the heart of a passing traveller.

And though our paths will almost certainly never cross again, I hope life has been gentle with her.

Be safe, Bella.

Be safe.

Taken from "I Almost Did That" 

DAY: 41

The Brown Gringo Form a faraway land

Panama City

Panama