Chapter 5 - Wallow
“So, how long are we planning to do this?” the Universe asked as they lay on their backs, on the hard ground, looking up at the mighty oak tree, dirt rising around them with every gust of wind.
The young boy said nothing.
The Universe said, “Fine. Let’s stay down here forever. This is the favourite place of the weak to hang out. Maybe we will make some friends here. I hear fear likes to visit here often, so does doubt, maybe they will be our new best friends. Why wallow alone, right?”
“I’m not wallowing,” said the young boy.
“Oh really? What are you doing planning a comeback?”
The young boy said, “This is the third time I fell down trying to climb the tree.”
“Yeah, I saw that, I fell with you, remember.”
The young boy said, “I fell because I didn't plan ahead. So for the past 30 mins I have been lying here on the ground, looking up the tree and planning my path over it. Now, I know every foothold, every branch I am going to grab on my way up. Success is a game of constant improvisation.”
The Universe was speechless.
The young boy got up, dusted off and set off on his determined path.
The Universe smiled. Everyone falls, but the young boy had learnt how to rise.
* * *
