There once lived a nice and gentle lady called Amina in a little hamlet tucked among Ethiopia’s undulating hills. Everywhere Amina was appreciated for her kind heart and kind nature. She had just wed Tesfa, and together they wanted to have happy lives.
But Amina started to see something was off not long after they were married. Tesfa had become far-off and withdrawn, his once-jolly attitude replaced by stillness and grief. Amina tried really hard but she couldn’t get to him. Far from her affection and attention, he seemed lost in a universe of his own.
Amina’s concerns were more intense. Though she wanted to assist Tesfa and loved him much, nothing she did seemed to make a difference. Tesfa stayed far even while she attempted to prepare his favorite dishes, sharing anecdotes, and even singing the music he liked. Driven to solve a problem, Amina chose to see a knowledgeable elderly healer residing on the outskirts of the community.
Renowned for her understanding of plants and potions, the healer had assisted several individuals. Amina came up to her hoping in her heart.
Amina remarked, “Wise mother,” bending politely and “I need your help.” I worry I am losing my hubby; he has become far away. Exists a potion or cure to restore his happiness and love?”
Amina’s statements were listened to attentively by the elderly healer, whose eyes showed knowledge. She nodded and added, “There is a potion that can heal a wounded heart and restore love.” After some contemplation. To prepare it, however, I must include a very unique ingredient: a lion’s whisker.
Amina’s gaze became terrified. Shaking, she said, “A lion’s whisker?” “But how can I possible obtain such a thing? Lions are ferocious and deadly animals!”
The healer had a soft grin. Sure, they are. Still, you will find a solution if you really love your spouse and want to support him. Remember, Amina, the lion’s whisker is a test of love and patience as much as of courage.”
Amina resolved she would do everything to acquire the lion’s whisker as she wanted to salvage her marriage. She headed toward the highlands where lions were known to prowl early dawn. She hoped to approach the lion using a big piece of fresh meat she brought.
Amina walked throughout the bush for hours when at last she saw a lion asleep beneath a tree. Her heart thumped in her chest, but she inhaled deeply and moved gently, the flesh in front of her. Sensing her presence, the lion gazed sharply upward.
Stopped a safe distance away, Amina gently set the meat on the ground. She then withdrew, seeing the lion smell the air and warily approach the offering. Amina waited until the lion finished eating the meal before gently leaving.
Amina went back to the same place the following day with additional meat. She lingered somewhat closer this time, observing while the lion ate the food. Day after day, she carried out her custom, each time approaching the lion somewhat. She gently talked to him so he may become used to her presence.
Weeks went by and Amina’s endurance started to pay dividends. The lion no longer considered her a danger; he became used to her frequent visits. She carefully caressed the lion’s mane and finally could sit next to him while he ate. Every day that passed strengthened the link of trust between them.
At last the day arrived when Amina thought she could request the lion’s whiskers. She said, “Mighty lion, I have come to love and respect you,” while the lion was finishing his dinner. My husband’s heart will mend with one of your whiskers. You are going to give it to me?”
Sensing Amina’s authenticity, the lion stopped as she gently stretched out and pulled one whisker off his face. Gratitude and relief flooded Amina’s heart as she grasped the whisker. She went back to the community thanking the lion.
Amina eagerly turned over the whisker when she got to the healer’s hut. ” Wise mother, I have it. The whisker of the lion!” she cried out.
Taking the whisker, the healer grinned and glanced at Amina. “You have done Amina really well. But you no longer need this whisker.
Conflicuously staring at the healer, Amina was But you mentioned the potion needs the whisker to be made?
The healer gave a nodding motion. Definitely yes, I did. But the real magic was in your patience, love, and devotion toward acquiring it—not in the whisker. Your husband’s heart will mend using the same traits that subdued the lion. You have shown that you are wise and strong enough to approach him.”
The healer’s comments revealed the reality Amina knew. In gaining the confidence of a ferocious lion, she had been patient, kind, and sympathetic. She realized then she could do the same with her spouse.
Amina went home feeling fresh hope. She stopped trying to make Tesfa open or joyful using short solutions under pressure. Rather, she gently and patiently addressed him, much as she had done the lion. She listened to him, gave him space when he needed it, and showered her love onto him without demanding anything in return.
Tesfa started allowing Amina access over time. He expressed his concerns and anxieties, and with her constant care he began to recover gradually. Their gap vanished, and the pleasure they had shared returned, more robust than ever.
Amina has discovered that real love is not about big gestures or short fixes. It’s about tolerance, empathy, and the readiness to be by someone through their worst times. Her lesson on the lion’s whisker had been that the silent perseverance of the heart is the ultimate strength.
And so Amina and Tesfa spent their last years in bliss, their love stronger and more resilient for the challenges they had shared. The legend of the lion’s whisker became a beloved narrative in the community, a lesson to everyone that love and patience may conquer even the toughest obstacles.
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