In the vast plains between two great mountain ranges, each with looming cliff faces and peaks that soared above the clouds, there is a crossing. It is here where two wanderers, each on their own journey, meet. Dressed likewise, nearly identical, one carried a larger pack than the other. The light footed wanderer speaks first.
“Where are you heading to, traveller?”
“I do not know. I am hoping to come across a city as I continue north.”
“Ah! Very well!”
“Although I can tell you whence I came from.”
“Do tell!”
“I travelled from the Great Plains through the fabled twisting mountains that split the continent. Have you heard of them?”
“I have not, but I’m sure it’s splendid!”
“From whence did you travel?”
“Oh! Well, I say, I don’t remember the pathways I have taken.”
“Ah. That is a shame.”
“But I do know with certainty the town I wish to go to!”
“Do tell.”
“In the far west, there is a beautiful town out in the country. Desolate as it might be, it is a beautiful country! Words cannot describe it! You should see it for yourself!”
“Ah. Have you seen this country?”
“Certainly not! That is why I wish to go there!”
“I see.”
“Do you wish to accompany me, stranger?”
“I do not know. If I were to follow you, it would no longer be my journey. What sights would I miss if I were to leave this northern road?”
“Ah, very well!”
“I apologize. I cannot afford the time to leave this path.”
“Fair enough, I say.”
“If you wish to accompany me for the time being, however, I can grant that wish.”
“Ah! Well, let me consider it! No harm in a detour!”
“Only if you feel so inclined. I do not wish to derail you from your path.”
“Just a bit is fine! I have no doubts that I will reach my destination eventually!”
“Ah, that is swell. I cannot say I possess the same confidence.”
“Oh? Why not?”
“I… do not know. The path forward… it is always uncertain.”
“Well, that’s what makes it interesting, is it not?”
“I suppose. However, it still daunts me. I want to know if I can make it or not. I only have my past journeys to determine if I am on track to make it.”
“Ah! Well, I can’t say I can appreciate your position. All I really remember is what I look forward to.”
“Have you forgotten all of your past journeys?”
“Certainly not! I still remember as clear as day the exhilarating experience of meeting everyone I’ve come across! But alas, I don’t remember the details or their names anymore. Perhaps just the faces.”
“Ah, well, fair enough. Not everything can be remembered. That is not as dreadful as you make it sound.”
“Ha ha! Well, I apologize, then! My memory isn’t that shabby! It’s just, I focus my attention towards the next step, you know?”
“Unfortunately, I cannot relate. I am always looking backwards.”
“Well, I won’t shame you for it! You know, different perspectives!”
“It is certainly a burden sometimes.”
“Do elaborate.”
“Hmm… It would be a bit of a novel to share in full.”
“Happy to hear it!”
“Well… As I look back on the path with which I came, I cannot help but feel sentimental. I spend many nights sitting still, remembering all the sights and sounds I entertained along the way, and all the sights I left behind. Some nights I wonder: should I turn around and return?”
“Certainly do, if that is your heart’s content.”
“The sounds would certainly be different. The people, changed. Would these differences make these old sights feel uncanny, or would it feel familiar and welcoming?”
“Interesting. I never thought of that!”
“Furthermore, if I were to turn back, my journey north would prolong. At this rate, I fear I may not find a city to settle in.”
“If that is what you fear, my suggestion is to move forward, then! Without regrets!”
“It paralyses me to think about the future.”
“Are you afraid to move forward?”
“Perhaps.”
“Huh. That’s funny. I would say I have the opposite problem!”
“Are you afraid to go backwards?”
“Certainly! The day after tomorrow is better than the day before! No point in worrying about what’s passed!”
“It is still worthwhile to muse and reflect every once in a while. Otherwise you may make the same mistakes over and over.”
“That’s true. You bring up a good point! I’m sure I’ve been guilty of doing such a thing a few times.”
“A good balance, I suppose.”
“I can’t say I’ve ever had such a balance! Ha ha!”
“Likewise.”