Nazim kishi shaved his wrinkled face every morning and then he had a shower. He wore his best suit as if he was going to work place, took his walking stick to walk till the gate. Sohe went out home. He used to stand at the gate and started talking with anybody who passed nearby. When he saw the little children he called them, gave them sweets that he put into his pockets, was glad seeing them to rejoice. He picked the fruits from the trees in his garden and gave the adult. The people living around respected him, and wished him to live a long life. But the wishes dont always become true. On one of the hottest days of summer season Nazim kishi fell ill, was bedridden, so he couldnt go out. After treatment for some days he felt his weakness and went to see the doctor. The doctor who knew Nazim kishi for a long time, checked him up. Seeing the result of examining he scowled. He approached the old man with heavy steps.
Nazim kishi, firstly I didnt want to inform you about your disease. But then I decided that you should know it. You must live the last days of your life according to your heart. In the village all the people respect you.
Hearing the doctors words Nazim kishis face turned pale, but he hid his face between his hands. He started to sob. While the human beings grow older their body temperature falls. Nazim kishi shivered with cold. But he shivered not because of senility but because of feeling the approach of death
The next morning Nazim kishi shaved his face as if nothing had happened. He took his walking stick and headed towards the gate. This time he took a sack with him, went outside of his yard. On the way who asked him where he was going a sack in his hand, he didnt say anything. He said goodbye them kindly and headed to the forest nearby. Every day he filled his sack with something and brought it home. Whoever suggested to help him, he refused, he was afraid that they might undo the sack see what was inside of it.
The doctor believed that Nazim kishi would die after fifteen days. Today it was the fifteenth day, according to doctors diagnosis it had to be the last day of Nazim kishi. He again shaved his face. As if he was preparing for his last day in life. He lived lonely, his children had left him long ago, they lived in different foreign countries. Sometimes they visited him.
As if today even the sky was mourning. It rained continuously for five hours. As if somebody pressed the clouds and spread on the washing line. After the rain the weather changed. The black clouds disappeared. The Sun again was engaged in sending its golden rays on the soil. The people didnt see Nazim kishi at his gate for two days. The neighbors were worried and knocked on his gate. But nobody opened the gate. The close neighbor , bird-fancier Fariz got over the stone wall and jumped to Nazims yard, then opened the gate. The other neighbors poured his yard. But seeing the a jaw-dropping scene they stopped dead in their tracks. All around was covered with autumn leaves knee-deep. As if the golden leaves were dyed in gild. His large garden was covered with golden autumn leaves. But he wasnt seen. The neighbors walked slowly forward. The bird-fancier called Nazim kishi.
Nazim kishi!!!
No sound was heard. The grave silence ruled around. One of the neighbors cried when he reached the centre of the yard. All the neighbors  stopped, they were deadly terrified. Fariz acted quickly and rushed at Nazim kishi. He knelt at him. He lifted his head and checked his pulse. Their kind, friendly neighbor Nazim kishi had closed his eyes forever.
There were a lot of people in the mourning ceremony, all the inhabitants of the village, including the homeless persons who looked for free meals, and the persons with whom you made friends after the first talk took part in the ceremony. Nazims photo was hung on the carpet in the tent, there was smile on his face.
After the mourning ceremony bird-fancier Fariz gathered the neighbors.
All of us respected Nazim kishi. Let him sleep in peace.
‘Amin!
‘ Let him sleep in peace.
Let him be in paradise.
He was very good man.
Then bird-fancier Faris took a white envelope out of his pocket.
Nazim kishi wrote us a letter some days before he died, he said.
‘Good day, my dear neighbors. I have sent a letter to my friends. I think it is my duty to inform you about something. I am obliged to leave the life when I am 86 years old. The doctor said I would die after fifteen days. I also felt my death was approaching. You may ask me why the yard is full of autumn leaves. Knee-deep autumn leaves. In my childhood I loved autumn. I enjoyed from taking steps on the dry, yellow, golden leaves, I enjoyed from the rustling sound. As the last days of my life occurred to the summer season I wanted to repeat my childhood habit for the last time. That was why every day I went to the forest and filled my sack with leaves, brought home. I dried those leaves on the stove or under the sun , then spread all over my garden. I didnt tell you anything. I am sorry.
I want to advise you for the last time. Try to cause smile on the faces of the people. It is easy to sadden people. But to make them smile, to be glad brings comfort to everybody. As if by rejoicing them you contribute them happiness. Dont mind if the people forget your good deeds. The main point is they have power to live. Love the life. Good-bye.
The cool breeze brought the smell of leaves , and through the window filled it into the room, in which the neighbors gathered.  As if Nazim kishi was thanking them for the last time.
Nemat Matin — Azerbaijani writer, publicist. He is the author of the books “Literature and the Mass”, “The Last Flight” and “The Invisibles”. The book “The Last Flight” was published in Turkey under the name “The Last Flight” and presented to readers. Also, the book “The Invisibles” was published in South Azerbaijan.
