So here I am, once again, sweeping. My broom and I have become inseparable, like Batman and Robin if Robin was just a handle with bristles. But it's fine. I'm doing something, right? That's progress, or at least that's what I tell myself.
But I can't just sweep my way to the top. No, no. I need a teacher. And not just any teacher, the teacher. Someone who'll see the greatness that is me.
I do some scouting around the sect, which, by the way, is an excellent place to catch up on all the gossip. You wouldn't believe the drama around here. Anyway, I finally spot this elder sitting by a rock, staring at it like it's about to speak. The man has "mysterious aura" written all over him. Perfect. This is my moment.
I approach him with my best "I'm a serious disciple" face. "Excuse me, sir. I seek your guidance! I want to be strong!"
He doesn't even look at me. "You?" He points at the broom. "What do you think that broom is going to do for you?"
I glance down at the broom. Uh, it helps me clear my path to greatness?
"Path to greatness?" He looks at me for the first time, narrowing his eyes. "You should be thinking about a path to survival. You'll get nowhere with that attitude."
Ouch. Okay, maybe he's just having a bad day. I try again. "No, really! I want to be great!" I try to sound confident, but I'm not sure if I'm convincing myself.
He sighs, his shoulders slumping in exasperation. "Alright, kid. You want to get stronger? Start by using that thing between your ears." He taps his temple. "You can't just rely on a broom for everything. Read a book. Actually, think."
I stand there for a second, processing his words. It's true that I haven't exactly been using my brain lately. But reading a book? That's an option?
Before I can ask where I can find a book, the elder shakes his head and walks off. I'm left there with my broom and my thoughts.
Maybe I should start thinking.
Nah. That sounds like effort. Maybe later.
Instead, I walk off and decide that my next great move is to find more socks. It's a treasure hunt, after all. They say socks are the most important thing in life. Or at least I'm starting to believe that.