The river of life

As his small raft floats down the creek, he passes the rocks and trees he had seen many times before. It seems like he has known this place all his life. This place was known as down the creek clearing, a place that someone went to everytime he lost control of his raft. As he approaches the utmost end of the clear sparkling water, he notices two familiar faces.

Kyle: (Sitting on his raft) Do I know those two guys?

He paddled further down the stream with his hands.

White haired man: Kyle? What are you doing here this time of year?

Man in a white robe: Haven't seen you in a while. What brings you down here this time?

Kyle: Oh its you guys. Hope and Faith. Nice to see you guys again. I'm sure you already know by now.

Faith: Yes but I was just checking.

Kyle: I don't think I'll be here very long though. My friends are waiting upstream for me. I hope.

Hope: You called?

Kyle: I said I hope my friends are waiting for me.

Hope: Well of course they are. Just ask Faith

Faith: That's right. You're must have faith in your friends Kyle. No matter how rocky the road has been recently, you must believe that friendship can't be destroyed that easily.

Kyle: I...

Hope: Yes, yes, you hope everything will be the same as before. What do you think I'm here for.

Kyle: I just don't want anything to change.

Faith: Well then it's up to you to keep it that way.

Kyle: I know, I know. Hey, how come Despondance and Regret aren't around?

Hope: Apparently they decided to sit this episode out.

Faith: You don't feel them do you Kyle?

Kyle: Surprisingly not much. A little bit of regret, thats all.

Hope:(pats Kyle on the back) Don't be flustered my friend. Everything will be alright in the end.

Kyle: And if it's not?

Faith: Well then it's not the end. Remember that Kyle. Thats what keeps us alive in you.

The sun filtered through the trees and gave the water a reflective quality to it.

Kyle: (Looks into his reflection) Geez is that how I always look?

Faith: It's how you choose to look.

Kyle: I don't get it

Hope: When was the last time you smiled a true smile?

Kyle: Recently? But why do I have this look of loss on my face.

Faith: Because you always think that you're gonna lose.

Hope: He's right. For goodness sake cheer up sometimes! You think too much and that's what provokes those feelings.

Faith: You always prepare for the worst possible outcome. Why don't you try aiming for the best?

Hope: Yes, just look at us, Hope and Faith are of such minute amount in you that we're getting white hair already. And we're the same age as you!

Kyle: Oh...I'm really sorry.

Hope: Don't be sorry. Just give us more time and we'll gain back our past strength like before.

Kyle: So if I'm not such a pessimistic bum, you guys won't be old and frail?

Faith: Precisely!

Kyle: Great!

Hope: You're still young Kyle. But you act as if you' e having a midlife crisis.

Faith: Go out and be a teenager. While you still can.

Kyle: I'm planning to do that. Just need a little rest is all.

Hope: Your self induced sadness has really hindered your creativity.

Faith: (Holds up a stack of paper) Remember these poems and stories?

Kyle: (Takes them from his hand) Number 6, Raedric Moon, War of the schools, The Barpanti's order, Rosewater. These are all the pieces I wrote a while ago.

Faith: Yes. Some are left unfinished.

Kyle: I know

Hope: And it's because of your own crazy mind that these pieces will never make it past your computer.

Kyle: You're right...Maybe I need to stop dwelling in the pits of Despondance.

Faith: You'd better stop. He could sue you for tresspassing.

Kyle: Hahaha.

Hope: Put aside all this "F*** the world" and "Nobody cares for me anymore" stuff and become the Kyle that everyone loves. You're not meant to tag up with depression. You're a boy of passion, faith and hope.

Kyle: That's right! I am! Oh by the way, where is passion?

Faith: Uhh...she kinda got stuck on the emotion Highway. But she should be by to guide you later upstream.

Kyle: Thats great to hear.

Hope: Now, tell us that you're not going to live the life of a suicidal. Tell us that you're going to be the Kyle we knew before!

Kyle: (Hits his chest) I will not any longer be plagued by my internal hurt. I shall not dwell in self regret. I cannot spoil my friend's attitudes just because mine sucks! I am Kyle Andrew Ganapathy and from now on, I'm going to make things right.

Faith: (To Hope) It's good to seem him like this ain't it.

Hope: He's beginning the revival of his indomitable spirit.

Kyle: (Tears off the bandage around his heart and wipes off the FTW on his arm) The sun is shining. That's odd. Usually when I'm here, it rains.

Hope: It can only mean good things. The sun will lead you to your friends.

Faith: It was a sad sight last year when we almost lost you to Depression and Despondance. They would have ultimately lead you to Death.

Kyle: Well that's not gonna happen anymore. Not with my friends alongside me and with you guys, I'm gonna be unbreakable.

Hope: That's what we hope.

Faith:Well its a nice sunny day here. And that is very rare. How bout a spot of tea?

Kyle: Can't do that my man, I have to go.

Faith:What? So soon? Aren't you gonna wait for Passion?

Kyle: She'll catch up, she's a fast paddler.

Hope: So you're leaving now?

Kyle: (Starts paddling off) Yeah why not? My friends are probably looking for me.

Faith: Hey wait! Remember Kyle, The game that can't be won, can't be played.

Kyle: I know Faith! You've told me that many times. Thanks alot!

Hope: Hey Kyle!

Kyle: Yeah?

Hope: You'll need this. (Throws him a wooden oar)

Kyle:(Catches it) Thanks. I'll never forget you guys.

The sun continued to shine majestically in the morning sky as Kyle paddled up the river. Before long, he was out of sight.

Hope: He'll be back some day.

Faith: Not for a very long time though. Tea for you my good man?

Hope: Certainly.

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Kyle: (Paddling) I'm coming back. Back to you my friends. No more depression. No more sadness. No more of these sinful things. I'm coming. Please say you'll be waiting for me. Please tell me that everything will be the same. Please be there. Please?