The old boy had been running for weeks, months, or maybe even years. He could not remember how long. In his distant memory, he saw a time of stillness, but he was no longer sure that it wasn’t a dream. He was tired now though and could sense the end nearing. He needed to stop… but maybe he could hold out a little longer.

And then it happened… The old boy fell. Exhausted and weary, the running ceased. The lioness approached silently, but the old boy knew she was there; she was always there. The sky rumbled and the little bit of light the day offered was snuffed out. Darkness engulfed him as he lay motionless, his breath ragged and shallow from the exhaustion.

He could feel the warm breath of the lioness upon his face, but the darkness left her invisible. He relented and closed his eyes taking in the surprisingly sweet smell. No longer fighting to see, he inhaled deeply the fragrant air, and as he inhaled, the aroma morphed into words as the entered his being: “Why o you run?”

His heart pulsed the response, “Why do your pursue?”

A low, reverberating response rolled through the feline with such intensity that the old boy felt the longing in the vibrations. Stunned by the intensity, his eyes shot open only to discover the glowing emeralds of the lioness meeting his gaze.

The eyes warned and comforted, convicted and forgave, lost and loved, and waited. Time stopped within her gaze as did the old boy’s heart. For in that moment, he saw the Story as it really was. Self no longer blocked the ethereal glory of Perfect Love.