The Hilltop

A man is sitting on a hilltop. A gentle breeze is blowing and the temperature is warm. He is comfortable and his thoughts are pleasant. He has felt this way for some time. Sitting near him are two others. One is also at peace and is one he relates very well with. The other is becoming to be at peace. While he is at peace with the first one, this second individual is more mysterious and guarded. At first this person avoids contact and conversation. The man accepts this. He speaks to both and accepts the other's responses, but does not make any demands on the guarded one. There comes a day when both respond to the man. The hilltop enjoys more peace. The breeze blows more gently and the warm air soothes them all. Serenity sets in. Over time the guarded one's defenses come down. Slowly that one joins in conversations with the other two. There are even days when the man and the formerly guarded one can communicate by themselves. Time passes. One day the man looks around the hilltop. He sees, sitting near him, the one he relates to so well, who he is at peace with. Upon seeing him, a feeling of contentment comes over him. Still looking around, he seeks out the formerly guarded one, but that one is not to be found, for that individual is no longer on the hilltop. A gentle breeze blows over the hilltop. The temperature is warming. There are times when the man is comforted and when he feels pleasant. There are times when he is at peace. He relates well with his companion.