Journey

A Story by Bottle of Wit

I wake up as nobody. I do not know who I am not. I do not know who I am. I do not know if I wanted to find out, but from this point, there is nothing I could do but start asking and looking for answers. I ask the people I meet if they know who I am. Every time, I would be told that I am something, but nothing in particular.

I started on a world where people were happy and warm. I met a man and said I am a child �" playful and curious and jolly. I knew he was right, but I also knew he was wrong. I was baffled by my own notion, and so I went on. I met a woman on the way and she said I am a daughter �" loving and kind and thoughtful. I knew what she said was true, yet I also am certain that this is not me. Another said I am a sister �" caring and gentle and sweet. I’m afraid I cannot tell if this is true or not. Someone I passed by told me I am a friend �" cheerful and helpful and sensitive. I felt that I am and that I am not.

I walked on a different world, hopeful that I can find the answer. This world, however, made me feel uncomfortable. People were serious, rarely smiling. I ask someone who they think I am. He answered, “You are a student, so start learning.” I was surprised by his answer. He did not only tell me who he thinks I am, he also told me what I needed to do. I was not certain if I felt good or bad about this place, but I followed for it is the best thing I have for direction. I found out I was not alone with the “learning” and that people around here are used to telling other people what to do. I approached the others if they had any idea who I am. One said, “You are a competition. Back off.” Another said, “You are useful. Stay.” Another said, “You are nothing. Dissipate.”

I was bothered by everything that has happened and so I went to the man who told me I am a student, certain he knows more than I do.

“Do you know who I am?”

“You are a student.”

“Do you know what I am here for?”

“You are here to learn.”

“Why is it that I do not think you are telling the truth?”

The man seemed to be surprised of my question. “That is because I speak only of what I am shown. I do not know the absolute truth �" and no one will. Nevertheless, I know of one face of your truth, and it is as I said it is.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, for I was greatly baffled.

“You are more than one thing, but never everything.”

“What do you mean?” I asked again.

He looked at me as though he was examining me. “You are learning,” he said as though he settled with a conclusion.

I was starting to get a little irritated. “Learning what?”

“You are learning how to learn. My dear, you have been asking the wrong question from the beginning."

It was a little offending, what he said. It made me feel like a fool for all my life. “Who are you?”

“That, my dear, is the right question.” And then he was gone.