Life Goes On

On a sluggish tram ride through San Francisco's foggy streets, Mr. Bernstein sat serenely by the window — an old clockmaker with silver hair, a woolen cap, and a memory-filled pocket. Beside him, a young mother held her sleeping infant, fatigue set into her eyes.

As the tram passed the harbor, Mr. Bernstein tapped a quiet rhythm on the seat with his fingers, lost in thought. In his coat pocket, a harmonica glinted slightly — untouched, but always carried. He didn’t play it. Not today. He only hummed — so soft, it was more breath than sound. Just enough for himself.

The baby moved, but didn't wake. The mother smiled wearily at him. Bernstein merely nodded, as if to say, "Yes, I know."

The tram bell clanged. A cyclist cycled by. A dog growled somewhere along the pier.

Life, as always, moved on.

Moral:

Gentle acceptance is sometimes the deepest wisdom. In the quiet passing of moments, we find life not waiting — but continuing.

Inspiration:

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: "it goes on". - Robert Frost