I walked along the old dirt path towards the old training grounds. It was 10 p.m. and the middle of spring. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. I walked in silence but my head was jumbling with thoughts. Why had he left now? He said it was his duty. He said he was in the way. It was best for the village. But we had always needed him. I need him. He shouldn't have left. I should have told. Why didn't I tell? Was I scared? Or confused? No, I had grown, I had learned. His mind was made up. No stopping him then. But why couldn't I come? Am I that useless? All this time I thought I was growing, but into what? Why am I all alone.
I reached the training ground and walked over to the big black stone with all those names of wonderful people, now shimmering because of the layer of due. I always thought that people who were now lost on this stone we should pitty. But now when I think of these people I envy them. They had gone being the best they could be. They were truly strong.
I then walked over to the wooden poles and looked around at the rest of the training ground. The trees, the dirt, even the sky. This place held so many memories. I looked up and felt a drop of rain hit my face. I turned around and left the old training grounds walking in the direction of my house. I have decided. I will not die a coward. I will become as strong as those people on that stone. I will not let everything I hold dear wither away.