Introduction: Pursue the faint shadows in memory
In a small, remote and quiet village in Iran, there lives an old man named Haji. He seems to have been forgotten by time, living a unique and striking life in a corner of the world. Haji's story not only tells the pain of loss and the heaviness of loneliness, but also profoundly depicts how a love leaves traces that will never fade under the wash of time.
Haji, the once-happy husband, is completely changed by a sudden tragedy. He chose to commemorate the departed beloved in an almost ascetic way. His life is like a static picture, forever stuck in the moment of losing his beloved. Although Haji's choice has caused confusion and incomprehension to the outside world, in this silent perseverance, there is a deep nostalgia and persistence for the past years.
Lost echoes
In a peaceful village in Iran, Haji's story begins with a simple but loving marriage. His love story with Mary is a good story in the village. Although their lives are ordinary, they are full of happiness and warmth. Haji's love for Mary is deep and sincere, and together they weave a dream about love.
However, fate always likes to joke. A sudden bubonic plague ruthlessly took Mary's life and pushed Haji's world into the abyss. Mary's death is not only the loss of a lover for Haji, but also the loss of the meaning of life. His heart seemed to be buried with Mary.
In that moment of grief, Haji made an incomprehensible decision: to leave the house and refuse to take a bath as a way to preserve Mary's breath. His decision not only changed his lifestyle, but also became the only link he had with the past.
Haji's life has been different ever since. He dug a dirt pit on the outskirts of the village and chose a life of seclusion. His body gradually accumulated years and dust, but in his opinion, these are the traces of the days spent with Mary.
The lonely watchman
In that remote earthen pit, Haji's life seemed to be isolated. His daily life is extremely simple, with only the most basic survival needs. His food is often a simple food left by the villagers once in a while, or a gift from nature. He drinks from a nearby stream. This primitive and austere way of life made his body surprisingly healthy, as if he had reached some kind of mystical harmony with nature.
Haji's appearance became rougher and rougher over time, his hair and beard were long and unkempt, and his clothes were tattered. But in his opinion, it was all about loyalty to Mary and adherence to the good old days. Every day, he silently tells the deep nostalgia for his deceased lover.
Although Haji's lifestyle confuses the villagers, they do not completely abandon the old man. From time to time, the villagers would bring him food and clothing, and this silent care became Haji's only contact with the outside world. Although Haji does not talk to people, he always responds to the kindness of the villagers with a nod or smile.
Over time, the story of Haji began to spread outside the village. A television director heard his story and was intrigued by this unique old man. The director made several attempts to reach out to Haji in the hope of documenting his extraordinary life experiences. After some hard work, Haji finally agreed to the director's request.
The filming of the documentary allowed Haji's story to be widely disseminated. His lifestyle and dedication to love have attracted a lot of attention. After the documentary aired, Haji became a legend and attracted many curious people to visit.
However, with the attention of the outside world, Haji's life also began to change. Persuaded by the director and the villagers, Haji decided to try a bath for the first time in more than 60 years. This decision, although seemingly simple, had a profound impact on Haji.
The price of change
Haji's decision to bathe caused a huge shock in the village. That early that morning, he was taken to the most comfortable bathroom in the village. Stripped off his dirt-stained clothes for years, Haji stepped into the bath. The water washed away the dirt on his body, and it also seemed to wash away his years of memories and emotions.
As the dirt disappeared and Haji's skin was revealed, the villagers were surprised to find that this was the first time they had seen a clean Haji. His countenance, although engraved with the traces of time, reveals an indescribable calm and relief.
However, this bathing experience was a huge challenge for Haji. His body, Xi to its natural state for many years, made him feel uncomfortable with the sudden change. In the days following the bath, Haji's physical condition dropped dramatically.
The villagers noticed Haji's anomaly, and they found that he had become unusually weak, his face distorted, and he seemed to be suffering immensely. They rushed him to a nearby clinic, but all efforts turned out to be futile.
Doctors said Haji's body was no longer able to cope with the invasion of foreign germs. The "shield" formed over the years was washed off after bathing, and his body fell into a state of extreme weakness. This physical change, combined with a huge psychological shock, eventually led to Haji's death.
Echoes of eternity
Haji's death is like the end of a journey and the end of his love story with Mary. His life, although full of loneliness and pain, his loyalty to love and adherence to the past have left a deep imprint on people's hearts.
Haji's story is not only a story of loss and loneliness, but also a story of how love transcends time and life. His choice, although extreme, also demonstrates the deep human attachment to love and memory.
In Haji's life, we see how one can face the grief and loss in life in their own way. His story teaches us that everyone has their own way of coping with life's challenges, even if it's incomprehensible to the outside world.