Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the rolling green hills of Ethiopia, there lived a woman named Seble. She was kind-hearted and wise, but she carried a deep sorrow—her husband, Tesfaye, who had once loved her dearly, had grown distant. Their home, once filled with laughter and warmth, had become cold. Seble longed for the days when their love had flourished, but no matter how much she tried to reach him, he remained withdrawn, lost in his own thoughts.
Desperate to rekindle their love, Seble sought the wisdom of a renowned healer, an elderly woman who lived at the edge of the village. With trembling hands and a hopeful heart, she explained her plight.
The healer listened carefully, nodding as Seble spoke. Then, she gazed at her with piercing eyes and said, “There is a way, but it will not be easy. To make the potion that will restore your husband’s love, you must bring me a whisker from a living lion.”
Seble’s heart pounded. A lion? She shuddered at the thought of confronting such a fearsome creature. But her love for Tesfaye was stronger than her fear. She thanked the healer and set off on her journey.
The Test of Patience
Seble traveled to the mountains where the great lion was said to roam. Hidden behind a large tree, she saw the majestic beast—a powerful creature with golden fur, sharp claws, and a flowing mane. It moved with grace, its amber eyes scanning the land.
Seble understood that she couldn’t just walk in and take a quick look. She needed a plan. The following day, she reappeared, this time bearing a small bowl of fresh meat. Carefully, she set it down near the lion’s territory and backed away. The great beast sniffed the air but did not approach immediately. It took time, but eventually, the lion devoured the offering.
Day after day, Seble continued this ritual, always staying at a safe distance. She whispered softly to the lion, letting it grow accustomed to her presence. Slowly, she edged closer. Weeks passed, and her patience bore fruit. The lion no longer saw her as a threat.
One day, as the lion finished its meal, Seble took a deep breath, extended her hand, and gently stroked its thick mane. The great beast rumbled but did not flinch. With the utmost care, she reached down and plucked a single whisker. Then, heart pounding, she withdrew and hurried back to the village.
The True Lesson
Seble rushed to the healer’s hut, triumphant. She placed the lion’s whisker in the old woman’s wrinkled hands and waited for the potion that would heal her marriage.
The healer studied the whisker, then smiled gently and tossed it into the fire.
Seble gasped. “Why did you do that? Now I have nothing!”
The healer chuckled. “My child, you do not need a potion. You already possess what is necessary to heal your marriage—patience, dedication, and love. Just as you tamed the lion, you must approach your husband with the same care. Give him time, earn his trust, and let love grow again.”
Seble’s eyes widened with understanding. She had proven her strength and devotion. Now, she would use that same wisdom to mend her relationship.
And so, with patience and kindness, she slowly rekindled the bond with Tesfaye. Over time, their love flourished once more, stronger than before.
