Post by Pally on Mar 16, 2018 15:46:48 GMT
Yes, things did get better. And it wasn't some magical Murkland miracle that happened, it was just the people themselves. I watched them for a time and then it hit me, we have to make our own happiness. We have to work things out within ourselves, if we can. Because that inner happiness is such a great gift. And with it we can make it through almost any situation. So I tried to find my inner happy.
I remember hearing you had spent a lot of time with your neighbors, the Freegans. They were a cheerful and happy bunch of people. It also helped to have one of your daughters now living with them. It made me feel closer to you, and that made me happy.
They taught me the basics of yoga and finding our inner calm and peace. I bought my own mat and spent a lot of time practicing. Soon I found the smells and dust of the desert no longer bothered me. I could see past them and found the beauty that is Murkland.
I built a great friendship with your son, Pain. You could say we almost became as close as brothers. I even convinced him to come to the gym with me. Apparently there was a young lady he was fond of and he wanted to impress her. I didn't know much about how to do that, but I knew a lot of them seemed to like my toned arms.
At night, if I felt I couldn't sleep and was starting to have the same old lonely feelings, I'd go to the Freegan camp. There was always someone awake who would hang out with me and cheer me up. I learned some great dance moves there too.
I was still struggling to 'love' the taste of trash fruit. I couldn't get past the thought of what it was. I mean what is it really? A little bag full of garbage? Was it really a fruit? I sometimes could of sworn it tasted like old soggy newspapers and rotting food.
I also made sure to make time to do the things I really enjoyed. Like playing the guitar and singing. It really helped when I was in a desperate need for fun. It was also a good way to release some of my negative feelings.
Sometimes I'd travel to Nukecrest for a change of scenery. The air seemed less dusty there and there was almost always a light breeze. I'd use the time to collect my thoughts and make cream.
The only times now that I'd feel really bad was when I had to go back to Granite Falls for more cream ingredients. One time the ranger had told me there was a dragonfly shortage because someone had been poaching them all. I didn't tell him I'd been collecting them, but I did feel horrible for taking so many.
I spent that afternoon fishing and thinking of a plan. Soon I began to feel frustrated and then remembered my yoga training and closed my eyes and took a few calming breaths. When I opened my eyes it was like seeing this place a fresh. It's beauty hit me and I felt the calmness it had to offer. It was truly beautiful here.
Later that evening I had the idea I'd only collect dragonflies at dawn and dusk. it seemed a reasonable plan to me, that way the others could repopulate during the day. As I ate my trash fruit that evening the taste wasn't quite as bitter. Perhaps I was finally starting to see things differently. Perhaps that inner happiness was starting to grow.
Early the next morning, right before dawn, I caught some colorful glowing bugs. They were really special and I loved the twinkling they did. I confess, I ended up collecting quite a few of these things over the time I have spent here in Murkland. The ranger hasn't said anything yet so I am guessing they are still plentiful.
When I returned to Murkland I felt the need to surround myself with friends so I told a few to come spend the evening with me and to invite whom ever they wanted. To my surprise you came. I had invited one of your daughters and they must of asked you to come. I'll never forget that evening. That was the day I spoke to you for the first time.
Everyone had a great time. We laughed and joked and roasted things on the campfire. As I watched you all, I couldn't help but think of those little glowing bugs I had collected. You were all so colorful together and each of you sparkled in your own way. You all showed their inner happy.
After everyone else had gone home, I noticed you had stayed. I was nervous. There was so much I wanted to say to you, but I still didn't feel I could. I smiled nervously and told a lame joke. Do you remember it? You were so kind and friendly. You gave me tips on getting my plants to perfect and you even told me how well I was doing in the Mayor's first set of tasks. You then gave me the code to the gym basement and told me I could take what ever I wanted of the plants as long as I tended them in return. I'll never forget that conversation. It was like a healing balm to an old wound. Now that I was part of your life, even in a small way, I felt so much happier. ......I will stop here for now. You can rest. The next time we talk will be a bit longer as it covers the time I spent at the gym.