Wisdom for Captain Garren

Garren strolled along the lake when the first light ventured the land. Steadily, the surrounding birds flew away as the rattle of his iron armor warned them of possible danger. Only the pink flamingos not far from the lake shore remained. They craned their long neck and watched Garren trudging the incline of rock outcrops stretched deeper into the lake.

"How are you, My son?"

Garren didn't answer back. He simply inhaled and exhaled in a quick session five steps behind the old man.

The old man patted the green grass patch beside him. "Please sit by my side."

Garren looked up. The blue sky above greeted him with a few clusters of white clouds filling it here and there. Some birds were also spotted flying in groups far away. His eyes stared them for a moment.

"What made you doubt?"

"I just enjoy the nature."

"Hahaha, it's not like you," chuckled the old man. "I hope you are good."

"I hope so."

"Let me judge after you spill the beans."

That's what Garren did. He sat down beside the old man, crossed both his legs, and sighed. Something had bothered him since yesterday, the more reason he should meet this old man. Someone like him years ago.

They sat in silent, enjoying the cool breeze caressing them on end. Birds' caws somewhere in nearby forest soothed their inner turmoil and reminded them none of current problems mattered at all.

The old man grabbed an empty clay bowl from two clay bowls in front of him, another one half-full, then poured water in it from his leather flask till passed its brim. The water spilled all over the stone.

"What are you doing, Master Brian?" snapped Garren. "It's full already."

Master Brian poured the water more and more. Garren grasped the leather flask right away and brought it high enough that the old man couldn't seize it back.

"Ah, there. You did it."

"You're wasting water."

"That's why you shouldn't keep the water to yourself."

His words meant nothing on the surface, but Garren was not obtuse like the rest of his peers. Becoming a Captain helped Garren learned many things including the meaning of one's words if he ever wanted to climb the career ladder in the military.

"Your words mean a lot," Garren said, putting the leather flask on the grass.

"What did you learn?"

"If I keep my problems to myself, they can overwhelm me and affect my actions in many things."

"You forgot one thing."

Creases formed between Garren's eyebrows. He couldn't miss anything.

"The water."

"That's the problems."

"Problems never cease to exist."

"You're right." The explanation finally dawned on Garren. "What will the fact help me then?"

Master Brian shot the lake unfolded before him. "You reduce the water by drinking it, meant solving it, and knowing the water will be poured into your bowl for the rest of your life, you need bigger bowls from time to time before the water spills all over the place again."

"What does the bowl represent?"

Master Brian tilted his head sideway. Garren's eyes locked into his. Never had it crossed Garren's mind about Master Brian appearance all this time. The weathered old man had more wrinkles than usual, especially around his cheeks, slacking his skin than ever. Goatee beard shared the same color like his short white hair alongside age spots dotted his skins emphasized Master Brian of once a hero of the country had past his prime long ago and was a fragile old man now. Only his experience and wisdom remained.

"Your attitude," blurted Master Brian. "Bigger bowls mean you must possess more patiences and simple strategies for dealings your problems. In short, don't be serious and be relax."

"That is it?"

"What do you expect?"

"I think about more complex things." Garren scratched his temple. "Some kind of trainings."

Master Brian patted Garren's shoulder. "You've already got your trainings, Garren. The problems you're currently in."

"The solution won't prove enough."

"That's why sometimes you tell people your problems. Trustworthy ones, of course."

"The sole reason I seek you today."

"I'm listening."

Before he started, Garren took another breath. Utilizing the fresh air provided by the nature to ready him telling the burdens which had recessed deep in his heart. Everyone had their own limit, so, words indicated a man should be strong didn't apply to Garren. Like a man shouldn't cry, that's a nonsense. But not showing the expression off to public was something Garren had agreed upon.