32. The Day of Pilgrimage…
“Some journeys lose their meaning if they are spoken and not lived…”
Dad: You’re awake early. You couldn’t sleep?
Jack: I… I’m afraid, dad…
Dad: Everyone says that before their first pilgrimage. So did I… and so did my father…
Jack: What if… What if I don’t hear it?
Dad: You won’t. Not at first… And that’s okay. The Still Wind doesn’t speak to those who go searching for it. They speak to those who are willing to listen.
Jack: Is that why no one will tell me what happens?
Dad: Yes… Because some journeys lose their meaning if they are spoken and not lived. Tomorrow, you’ll stand where generations of our people stood. Not to prove yourself, but to understand.
Jack: Do you think I’ll understand?
Dad: I know you will, slugger. And one day, you will bring your own children here. You’ll smile just as I do. You’ll feel pride in your children like I do. And you’ll tell them that they will understand when they get there.
Jack: Thanks dad… I love you.
Dad: I love you too, Jack. Now come on, the crews are waiting. We’ve got a long journey.
