Asile
You lie on cold marble staring at the dome above. Blood leaks onto beautiful tiles.
“Back!” you hear. “This is a sanctuary. You have no right.”
You turn your head and see the priest standing in the doorway, keeping the mob out with his body. You close your eyes. The door slams and the bar falls into place.
A shadow falls over you. “My friend. Are you hurt?”
He helps you into the vestry. After bandaging your side and putting you by the fire, he hands you a bowl of stew.
“Now,” he says, sitting by you. “Who are you?”
The word “asile” means asylum in French (pronounced “azeel”). This picture made me think of one of my favorite musicals Notre Dame de Paris, which led to one of the songs from it (below) called Les san-papiers, or “The Undocumented”. If you listen to it, you will hear the word asile a lot.
The Green-Walled Treehouse 
A heart-warming tale from you this week, David. I love that help was offered before any questions were asked.
What a wonderful voice on this fellow singing le Sans-Papiers. Merci!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, that musical has great music. I first heard it when I was studying in Laval in 2000 when it was all the rage. I actually saw it twice in Korea in Korean but would love to see it in the original French sometime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laval? In Quebec? (Is there another?) What were you studying?
LikeLike
Glad he found a helping hand. Great story.
LikeLike
Okay, so now I want to know more.
LikeLike
So few words and so much said …. and unsaid! Excellent leave ’em hanging ending, David. Fabulous music.
LikeLike
I loved this too. The gentleness of it. The example of how we should treat one another. There was a time all churches were havens of safety. Let’s hope they are become that way again.
LikeLike
We need to learn that unconditional kindness again
LikeLike
I love this story true compassion ❤️
LikeLike
I like that help was forthcoming before any other consideration. Lovely.
LikeLike
Back when churches understood the part they were supposed to be playing. I like that!
LikeLike
A Good Samaritan story, unless the Priest learns an uncomfortable truth.
LikeLike
This is a vivid, moving piece with energy and feeling. I love the ending, a practical question that you deftly left unanswered.
LikeLike
Your story was endearing and I could feel the love and the warmth of the stew. Also, enjoyed the video of The Undocumented, and I have not seen this musical but now I want to.
LikeLike
Interesting…the end makes the reader wonder and inquisitive to know more
LikeLike
An intriguing tale, an unanswered question. Nice one, David.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Keith. I appreciate it.
LikeLike
This was wonderful. I like that the priest took care of him then asked the questions. So, often these days people give the third degree before being willing to help another. Thank you for the video too.
LikeLike
Thank you. Yes, I think it’s important to care unconditionally: to help because there’s a need, not because the person is part of my group, etc. Thank you for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear David,
I was once told by a former and very much missed FFr that a good title adds another 100 words to a story. Thank you for the translation of Asile. Makes sense. Tender story of how people should be.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I think it’s a good honest writing cheat, to offload some of the story onto the title especially since that is the initial hook anyway. Leaving it in French was as stylistic choice, I guess since it seemed more impactful than Asylum but for me it’s because of the song, so of course it needed some explanation.
LikeLike
David, thanks for sharing info about “Notre Dame de Paris.” I am glad they found genuine sanctuary ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lisa. That concept was on my mind these days for some reason.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Very nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person