Tomorrow Water

Tomorrow Water

The gate slowly opened, creaking in the wind. The trees swayed in the breeze, groaning slightly as they danced back and forth. Looking up, the bearded man ran his lined, worn hands on the wood of the fence, and set off into the forest. All around him, the silence echoed. Distant cries of nature in the valley. Moving slowly, he pulled out a worn map and unfolded it. His eyes quickly looked it over, and he gave a grunt. He was close.

As he walked on, the forest path dipped, starting it’s descent into the low valley. He could hear a stream in the distance, lapping against stone. He ventured further down the track and turned a corner. A great view of the land greeted him, stretching far into the hills. A river, carved it’s way through the lush grass and reflected the sun with a million pinpricks of light. The man took a moment to appreciate the grandeur, then with eyes fixed on the tree line, moved on.

The hill started to rise upward, and became a steady climb. The sun peeked through the trees and the birds chirped and chattered. Breathing heavily, the man mopped his brow and saw a gap in the forest, rough but man-made. He made for it, but as he did, he heard a rustle behind him.

Out of the bush, a giant man with a cane almost the size of him stepped out. A hat, large and weather-beaten covered his face, which was terribly scarred. His giant forearms moved as he manipulated his walking stick, coming to rest by his side. “Traveller” he growled in low, worn tones. “Why do you disturb my wood?” The traveller, said nothing. Looking intently at the great figure before him, he drew out his old map and pointed at a circled spot on it. “Another”? Said the tall man, “So many, so many”. He turned on his heel, and as if was talking to himself, muttered “follow”.

Our traveller followed the tall man, keeping up with his long, slow strides. He viewed the tops of the trees, savouring the sky for the last time. After what seemed like an hour, the tall man stopped, standing upright. “Traveller, as like others before you. This is your road now. I cannot go with you, for that I am scarred, and impure. Go now, but with this warning. Those who seek the tomorrow water find only pain. You have one wish. Go.”

The traveller, looked up at the giant and slowly said his thanks. His lined, wrinkled face behind his beard turned into a smile. He began walking, leaving the shadow of the tall man behind him, watching him. As he rounded the corner, he looked back, the giant was no longer there.

Walking for a while, the traveller began to hear water, a stream of sorts in the distance. He made his way through the brush and came out into a small clearing. At the end, was a rock wall where a waterfall was gently flowing, it’s mist floating up into the breeze. The traveller, made his way over to it. Above it, written into the stone, was a message. “For those who seek, but do not dare, find yourself again in here”. The traveller plunged his head into the water.

It was like falling asleep. The world turned to a deep black, and the forest was swallowed. The traveller, moved through space, time and water, cleansing, breathing.

After what seemed like forever, he felt rough wood on his hands. He took breaths of mountain air. He awoke, clutching the gate at the start of the valley. The path he had taken lay before him. The gate was now locked, a great silver padlock holding it closed. Behind him, a soft voice said, “Dear, what are you doing?” He turned around, seeing the face of his wife and child. Holding back tears, he knew his wish had been granted. As he walked away , he smiled at the wood. At the waterfall, his body lay silent on the stone.