Don’t waste any more time here, Odai. It is time to go, follow the bridge and cross over to the other side.

What’s on the other side?

That is what you are about to discover. But whatever it is, good or bad, remember that life is always an amazing adventure and it is always worth living. Trust. And don’t fail yourself, don’t fail me, don’t fail the Writer, and don’t fail life and all of those who believe in you, more than you believe in yourself.

You believe in me? Life believes in me?

You wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t so.

You believe in me, Writer?

I wouldn’t have written you if I didn’t, Odai... of course, you aren’t exactly what I had planned... but I do believe that you are much better than I expected.

Thank you! Do you believe in me, Dragon?

I believe that I’ve been ignored for long enough. I have no idea what you’re talking about, so I reserve the right to keep my opinion to myself until I am more informed on the subject.

Be on your way, Princess, and remember that in life, there is nothing to fear.

The Canyon was quiet; a strong gust of wind blew through the Princess’ hair, rustling her dress. As she felt the wind against her face and skin, she couldn’t help but think that it was the Canyon caressing her.

No, -- said the Princess tenderly. She was happy. -- this isn’t the Canyon, Writer... this is life!

As she said this, the wind blew stronger as if it agreed.

Odai was standing at the foot of the bridge on top of a great cliff. You could hear the river far below, the sky was a clear blue, the weather was perfect, the sun was gloriously shining, the clouds were as white as ever, the trees of many shades of green were moving with the wind... you could feel, you could smell, you could breathe only one thing... Life! -- Two tears rolled down Odai’s cheeks and landed on a smile that filled her entire face.

7

When they crossed the bridge, the landscape was very different. There were huge pine trees, so high that they went up past the clouds, blocking the sunshine. The ground was covered with dry twigs that gave off a marvelous scent, and the air was somewhat cold. But the Princess found a deliciously soft wool blanket that the Writer had placed on a rock especially for her.

Thank you, Writer.

The Princess wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and walked into the woods. The Dragon followed her.