A: “It is in the leaving that you know that you have grown; all birds must fly the nest and think not of the sticks left behind.”
B: “But what if I don’t want to leave?”
A: “Then it is your decision to make. But so much of existence lives beyond all you see here; had I not left my growing place I would have forever known the shadows of mountains, and never seen silver swarms of tuna, never learned the way of fire1), never met you.2) Be aware that one day the choice to leave might no longer be yours, and you’ll find yourself with a broken wing.”
B: “I know.”
A: “My words might not convince you of truth, and I should expect nothing less; I have told you a thousand stories, and they always fall short of: each step I took in the pursuit of something new, the trust I placed in my map and my gut to see me through, the freedom of dawn breaking on that fresh horizon. It was through my will alone that I have become myself.”
B: “What if I leave and only feel desire to return?”
A: “Of all the communities I have lived in, my fifth will always be most dear; if only it hadn’t been dealt a poison berry, I might have stayed forever, but even then, the steps to leave would have grown lighter with time. Nevertheless, the earth is not ours to command. If time were willing and I could share with you but one piece of my young heart, it would be my triumph at finding the third3), it might finally satisfy you in ways my answers cannot.
B: “It's dangerous out there, isn’t it?”
A: “As always, I guarantee your safety as much as I guarantee my own; but the youth of today have many fortunes. With gratitude or without, the world has given you gifts; turned suffering into struggling, and changed the plight of man against beast. It’s a lie to say I know you will be fine, and another lie still to say I do not envy you.”
A: “I know your hesitation. We will visit the cobblers when you are ready.” 4)
5)