The Scarf of Veronica

The train stopped at Hetheray station, where the townspeople were waiting to meet someone special. As passengers disembarked, all eyes searched for that particular person. Then, a beautiful woman named Veronica stepped down—many called her a living goddess of beauty. People rushed to Veronica, showing her red scarves and asking if it belonged to her. Veronica said no to everyone. The story behind the scarf dates back years ago when Veronica first visited Hetheray, and a thief stole her scarf. The reason for the theft remains unknown.

Every year, Veronica returns to Hetheray to see if her scarf has been found. She only tells people it's a red scarf, withholding identifying details to prevent deception. One year, Veronica declared she would marry whoever brought back her scarf. Many young people wracked their brains for days and months but couldn't find it. After a year or two, even they lost interest. Time passed, and Veronica grew older. As her beauty slowly faded, she feared she might never find her scarf again. This time, she offered half her wealth to the person who found it. People were initially excited and energetic in their search, but interest soon waned again.

Veronica didn't know what else to offer the world to find her scarf, and she never revealed why she wanted it so badly, only saying it was personal. In an interview, Veronica finally disclosed that the scarf didn't actually belong to her but to her mother, who inherited it from her own mother. A family tradition held that whoever wore the red scarf would receive the beauty and wealth of the gods.

Veronica eventually lost hope and continued her life. Five years after that incident, she returned to Hetheray. There, she saw a man and his daughter buying a red scarf from a store—one with a golden peacock on it. She knew it was hers. She wanted to run and buy the scarf from them but hesitated. Watching the happiness on the daughter's face as she wore the scarf, Veronica was reminded of her own childhood. She remembered asking her mother for the beloved red scarf, which her mother gave her to see the smile on her face. Seeing the daughter bloom with happiness while wearing the scarf and the father smiling, Veronica realized that taking away their joy wouldn't be right. She subtly smiled and walked away, leaving the father and daughter to enjoy their walk.