by Ayesha Zahid
PureTravel Writing Competition 2023
Once upon a time, on a warm and sunny day in the heart of Turkey, my family and I found ourselves on the enchanting Byukeda Island. Nestled in the Aegean Sea, this island was a hidden gem known for its colorful streets, friendly locals, and a vibrant culture that oozed from every corner.
We had been looking forward to this vacation for months, and the sheer excitement of exploring this unique island with my family filled me with joy. As we strolled through the winding streets, we couldn’t help but be captivated by the lively atmosphere. The buildings were adorned with vibrant shades of blue, green, and yellow, creating a picturesque backdrop for our adventure.
The scent of delicious Turkish street food wafted through the air, tempting us at every turn. We indulged in mouthwatering kebabs and sampled sweet Turkish delights. The streets were filled with laughter and the echoes of traditional music played by street performers. It was a day full of color, taste, and culture.
As we meandered further into the heart of the island, our senses were awakened by the sounds of nature. Byukeda Island was not just a place of human activity; it was also home to various animals. Colorful birds adorned the trees, and cats playfully chased each other through the alleyways. It was a harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
However, amidst the joyful chaos of the bustling streets, something caught my eye. In the middle of a cobblestone road lay a small, frail dog. Its ribs were visible, and its eyes conveyed a sense of desperation. The poor creature was suffering from hunger and thirst, and it tugged at my heartstrings.
I kneeled down, gently extending my hand toward the dog. It flinched at first, but as I offered some water from my bottle, it timidly lapped it up. My parents, who were compassionate souls, knew we couldn’t just walk away. We decided to help.
We quickly made our way to a nearby market and bought some fresh meat and a bowl of water for the dog. Returning to the spot where we had found the little dog, we placed the food and water before it. The dog hesitated for a moment but then eagerly dug into the meal, devouring the meat as if it hadn’t eaten in days.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched the dog’s transformation. It was as though a spark had returned to its eyes, and the look of gratitude was unmistakable. It wagged its tail weakly, its way of expressing its heartfelt thanks.
As we sat there, something extraordinary happened. The word had spread among the street dogs, and more of them began to gather around. Our small act of kindness had attracted these hungry souls. With the remaining meat and water, we shared it with the newfound furry friends. Each dog seemed to understand that we meant no harm, and they ate with an air of cautious trust.
The original dog, the one we had first helped, now seemed to take on a leadership role. It barked softly, almost as if it was inviting its fellow street dogs to join in the meal. We couldn’t help but marvel at this newfound bond we had formed with these creatures.
After the meal, the dogs wagged their tails, barked happily, and even gave us gentle licks as if to say thank you. It was a touching moment that reminded us of the importance of kindness, even in the simplest of gestures.
As we continued to explore the colorful streets of Byukeda Island with our new furry companions, the memory of that day remained etched in our hearts. We had not only enjoyed the vibrant culture of the island but had also experienced the joy of making a difference in the lives.
Photo by Mircea Solomiea on Unsplash
