Always Sunny Aspen

The road began where the village ended. A thin line of dust, warm as a hand over a candle. I set out with a small pack, a bottle of water, and a question I could not yet name. Morning was gentle. The sun woke swallows and read the old stories in the stone walls. Then it climbed. The day became honest. Light asked for patience. Light asked for truth. Walk honestly. Serve quietly. Share what you can. Let small vows compound. Outside, the sun touched the leaves as it slips toward evening. No hurry. It kept its promise, and for a little while the world shone bright.