In a serene setting of wide and green, I saw a girl seated, enjoying the pleasant weather. Just across from her, a one-way road meandered through the expansive greenery, bustling with the constant movement of people. Some approached from one side, while others walked in the same direction. Amidst this lively scene, my attention was drawn to that girl again who sat amidst a sea of people, her troubled expression and peculiar gaze fixated on those passing by.
Perhaps on the opposite side of the road stood a building, belonging to some department, and adjacent to it, a statue of an old man, putting on a pair of white sneakers, a hat atop his head, and both hands resting peacefully on his knees, as if he was there to warmly welcome the bustling crowd. I noticed that a few individuals paused and cast their gaze upon the statue for a brief moment before continuing on their way, while others hurriedly moved about in different directions. The girl, having arrived from the same direction, was acquainted with the starting point of this road. She too found respite in this spot, taking a moment to rest and gather her thoughts.
As the gentle breeze swirled and the melodious chirping of birds filled the air, a sense of tranquility washed over her, especially when she heard the familiar call of her favorite bird, the Cuckoo, echoing, “Kooo! Koooo!” Instantly, her spirits were rejuvenated. Her gaze then fell upon a passerby, traversing the same road whose destination remained a mystery to her. Curiosity sparked within her, urging her to inquire about where this road leads. What was the destination of the people who went there?
She wondered why only a few returned, while the majority continued onwards. Did they find their desired destination, or were they embarking on a new quest to reach their goals? Despite her yearning to ask these questions, fear held her back, preventing her from mustering the courage to approach and inquire. Even the thought of simply following them seemed daunting.
Lost in her thoughts, she shifted her gaze towards the sky, admiring the clouds adorned with a silver lining. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she witnessed a large group of individuals returning from the very path she had contemplated venturing upon. She noticed that those who had initially embarked in smaller numbers now returned as part of a collective, while those who had set off in larger groups now returned in smaller clusters.
Once again, she gazed at the Statue of that old man, observing how it remained steadfast, much like her, as it watched people bustling about. It dawns on her that it is courage that propels individuals towards both the successes and failures in life. Without the courage to forge ahead, one becomes akin to the statue, lacking purpose and direction, simply observing others pass by. No one will come to guide you through life’s ups and downs. It is up to you, and only you, to shape yourself into the person you truly aspire to be.
