The mountains were closer than before. As a traveller on Verde Road, I had experienced both the good and the bad, all life-changing experiences. I met friends, including my favourite of all, Espera. He was so kind and always there for me. Unfortunately, at my last hurdle, while approaching the mountains, I realized I couldn’t find him anymore. Still, I kept on, even as I approached the mandatory underground pathway meant for every traveller on Verde. Only one person could be on that road at a time.
As I entered the cave, I could see ancient drawings on the wall, as though they were engravings left by those who had passed there previously. A great stench filled the place. I sneezed as I stepped in. “What is this place?” I thought to myself. Thankfully, I had some water left in my sling bag. I gulped it all and tried to find a space to sit and rest. I found a small black stone. Feeling relieved, I approached it, but then I noticed some engravings on the stone. On it was written נִבחָר. I was confused, as I had never understood another language. Nevertheless, my aim was to rest quickly before I continued on my journey. As I sat, I took another look around to observe the cave and realized there were small stones leading up to the end of it.
Out of sheer curiosity, I stood up to look more closely at the drawings I had seen earlier. As I moved closer, I realized they were mystified words, with the same kind of alphabetical letters I had seen on the stone. I was mesmerized, yet at peace in my heart. I knew I was on the right path. There was no one to ask questions, so I wondered and kept all these things in my heart.
The day was almost over, so I needed to travel some more to cover a reasonable distance. Someone might ask, How long was the distance from the cave to the mountains? A good question, one I had asked Toku just before I entered the cave. He smiled and said, It takes as long as you’re willing to learn the lessons you need in the mountains.
Therefore, I had entered the Zahav cave with a determined heart to make the most of my experience. Not knowing what to expect, I remembered the book Espera gave me during the early times I met him. He said it would serve as a compass if I was ever confused. It was this book I kept using on my journey in Zahav cave.
As I continued, I saw several names of people Espera had mentioned had passed through this road. Abraham, a man of great faith who left his own country for a land in the mountains and became the father of nations. Hadassah, the orphan girl who obeyed her uncle, found favour with all the palace officials, and became a queen. Her position on the throne wasn’t just for herself, it was about a purpose: saving the nation of Israel. The stories of these people always had one thing in common: their faith. And as I kept taking those giant steps on Verde, I always thought to myself and hoped maybe one day, Espera would tell my story to others who choose to pass Verde.
Then came the next stone. It was one of the hardest to climb. I had exhausted my water and was famished from the journey. I began to cry. As I climbed, my feet slipped a bit, but I had a good grip on the stone. I was tired but determined to complete the journey. After several unsuccessful attempts, I finally found a small steep where I could place my feet and climb over successfully. I did it in tears but I did it anyway.
As I got to the other side, I could not believe what I saw.
A massive river flowed from the entrance of the mountains.
Aha! I had reached the entrance of the mountains.
I could not believe my eyes – the brightness, the beauty.
Could this be what I had heard about?
Could this be the place I had waited to reach all this while?