The Puzzle

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young maiden who lived by herself in a cozy cottage next to the mountains. She had many things to fill her day, but she was still very lonely. She didn't know what to do about that, so she continued on as she always had…one day at a time.

One day a strange package appeared on her doorstep. The maiden brought it inside and carefully removed the wrapping. It was an unmarked box. Inside were thousands of puzzle pieces. The maiden didn't really care much for puzzles, but this was too intriguing to set aside. She cleared off the table and set to work on the puzzle. With no picture to guide her, it was slow in going. However, she soon discovered the picture to be that of a girl…a girl not unlike herself. As soon as she started working on the face, she was shocked to find that the girl was her! With hands shaking slightly, she pulled the last pieces from the box and put them in place. But to her surprise, there were two pieces missing…right where her heart was. To her even greater surprise, she felt emptiness in herself, right where those pieces were to have gone. Stepping back, the maiden stared at the puzzle and pondered its meaning.

For several days, she thought about what the puzzle was and why it had come to her. What could it possibly mean? Who had sent it to her? Was this some kind of cruel joke? Tears filled her eyes as she prepared the tear the puzzle apart and burn the box entirely. This must have been a joke, and it was a very cruel one indeed. Someone knew she was all alone and lonely. They were malicious in their intent to hurt her feelings.

Just as she reached toward the puzzle, a knock came at the door. The maiden quickly dried her eyes and stepped away from the table. She opened the door to reveal a handsome prince standing before her. He had a quizzical look on his face as he held out his hand. The maiden was shocked to see a puzzle piece in his outstretched hand.

"I was told to bring this to you," he said.

"Who told you?" she asked.

"I don't know," he replied. "It arrived at my door with directions to this house. Do you know what it means?" The maiden motioned for him to come in.

"I have an idea," she said. She led him to the table and pointed at the nearly completed puzzle. The prince gasped.

"It's you! But why?" he asked.

"I don't know, but see if that piece will fit," she replied. The prince did as she bid, and the piece almost fit. But something was still missing.

"There is room for one more piece. I don't understand." Tears glistened in the maiden's eyes.

"I have a note that may help," the prince said. He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to the maiden.

"Find the maid of whom this is part, and look to God to complete the heart."

The maiden read the words and started at their meaning. She raised her eyes to the prince and gasped. He held a piece of her heart and God held the other part. She turned and walked quickly to her bookshelf. She pulled down the old worn Bible that had belonged to her mother. As she opened it, something fell to the floor. It was a puzzle piece. She carried it to the puzzle and put it in its place, next to piece that the prince had brought. The maiden sighed and clutched at her chest. The emptiness was gone. Her heart was complete.

THE END.

(c) 2007 - Angela Johnson