The group of pilgrims, after traveling a lot in inaccessible and dangerous lands, had finally managed to arrive in a quiet village devoid of any demonic presence.
Even Sun Wukong had decided that for once he could relax.
He had found a quiet place to lie down, among the branches of a flourishing peach tree that grew right in front of the room where his Master was staying.
The monk was quietly meditating, sitting in the center of the room, the rays of the sun of that autumn afternoon lightly illuminating his face.
He's really a handsome man, the Monkey King found himself thinking, If he hadn't chosen the monastic life he'd probably be married now and maybe he'd have children too.
For a moment his thoughts turned to the puppies he knew at that time were being born on his Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, and his heart filled with nostalgia and sadness.
It would have been nice to have been able to visit them, even if only for a few hours ...
"Wukong", his Master's voice distracted him from his thoughts, drawing his attention; the monk was staring at him with deep dark eyes, a benevolent smile hovering across his face.
"Yes, Master?"
"You can go if you want".
That sentence took the King by surprise.
"What do you mean, Master?"
Tripitaka's smile grew wider and warmer as he got up and walked over to the window.
"I know you long enough to understand when you are thinking of your family, my dear Novice. Since for once we have found a quiet and safe place, why don't you go and visit them? With your powers you would be able to return within tomorrow morning, before setting off again ".
The golden monkey couldn't believe what he had just heard.
Was his Master serious?
"I'm serious Wukong", Tripitaka seemed to have the power to read his mind at times, "It's been a long time since you left your home and your family, I think you deserve to see them again, even if only for a little while."
"But ... what if something happens while I'm not here?" He tried feebly to reply the pilgrim, his common sense struggling with his own feelings of him.
Tripitaka then stretched out a hand towards him, who immediately approached, accepting with a soft purr the caresses on the head that the monk bestowed on him, as a small reward for being so responsible for him. "Your brothers will know how to protect me. Now go, you have my blessing."
Sun Wukong's eyes sparkled with tears of gratitude; he greeted his Master with a deep bow, before jumping on his cloud and flying away at full speed, his heart filled with joy.
"I'll be back for tomorrow morning, Master!"
"Then see you tomorrow, my sweet little monkey."