The Three Friends

In the village of Hara, there were three friends. Their names were Faith, Joy, and Desire. Faith was the youngest of three children, Joy was an only child, and Desire was a twin. Hara, being a small village, seemed tranquil enough, but not all things are as they seem.

The three friends found enough to interest them, but no matter the happenings in the village, the three friends usually settled beneath the old oak tree in the middle of the village. Each being different than the other made them click. Desire was a free spirit, a bit naughty, giving little thought to whatever came along. Because Joy was an only child, solitary pursuits were as comfortable and engaging as spending time with friends. Faith struggled to make sense of life, of people, and what belied the veil of Hara. At times, each wished to be the other.

One day, under the old oak tree, discussing life as they always did, Faith suggested the three of them should take a journey up the mountain. Desire loved new adventures and said yes. Joy said yes because there was nothing else to do at the moment. So, it was decided, and the next day, the three left to go up the mountain.

Soon, troubles began. Joy lagged behind, stopping to enjoy the flowers or observe the birds or turn to look at the horizon. Faith and Desire tolerated this briefly but would urge Joy onward. Soon, Desire became bored. Being curious most of the time, Desire began to take detours to discover what the mountain offered. Joy and Faith followed but remembered the reason for the journey. So, the two kept climbing. Desire would come and go, giving the two friends reports of what she discovered.

All along Faith knew deep inside that this journey required a singular effort, that the two friends must be left to their own pursuits. Before long, Faith was indeed alone, climbing, moving forward, and wondering what was up on the mountain. Before, the idea sounded good to the three friends. Not one knew what was ahead but were excited to discover it. But difficulties arose making each think the three of them should return to the village. In Hara, everything was known to them and comfortable as each defined the word. There were moments of futility about what beset them on this path, and the challenges faced were unexpected.

But Faith walked on, not knowing what the two friends were doing. The goal was to reach the top before the sun set. As Faith climbed, the sun lowered and, for a time, the goal appeared lost. But Faith realized that the sun was only setting behind the mountain, that once at the top, the sun would still be above the horizon.

Finally, reaching the top, Faith saw her siblings, Hope and Love. And not knowing how knowing comes about, but somehow knowing it, there was Joy with Desire’s twin called Good. Faith realized the goal was not a place, but a walk. A spring appeared and refreshed them. Each drank and walked toward the sun, not once looking back.