Why did Morpheus give Neo a choice to turn back when he knew Neo was the One?
I have been searching for the One who will save us my entire life. It is what drives me; it is my mission. The Oracle said that I would train him and so I have prepared myself for his arrival the best I know how. It is my destiny, and I will be ready for it.
What would I be without those words that have shaped my very being? When I met the Oracle for the first time I knew that I would never be able to back away from my calling.
Now I stare at the One over my glasses, a small smile on my mouth, as I finish my speech and unwaveringly hold the pills in front of him. His face is pale, his brown eyes flickering back and forth between my hands. I can see that he is fighting his disbelief, his mouth in a thin line of concentration.
But after all he has seen, will he dare turn away now?
I say that he will not.
He is the One. How can he betray us now?
Slowly, he reaches out and makes his choice. I give him a full smile, because now I know my belief in him is justified. Neo is the One. I let him make his own choice, but his own destiny has chosen him, as has just been proven.
Taking the glass of water, he swallows it, and stares at the mirror on the other side of the wall, frowning as it ripples. He stands up, goes over to it, and touches it.
As the room leaps into action I murmur, "See you on the other side."
I could not, would not, have done that any other way.