Eric in Chaos

A team stands afar, with a mission to conquer a pinnacle, only the tip of which can be vaguely seen at the horizon. The path to the pinnacle is unknown, but the team claims its spirit is high and its determination strong. Eric is one of the many team members who have held hands and are gearing up to embark on the mission.

As the ‘team’ moves a step closer to the destination, the view of the pinnacle gets clearer and more alluring. The prospect of reaching it and taking in the view of the world from that height is enticing, and the prospect of having to share the space on the narrow edge of that peak is unnerving. All hands are freed and each person makes a dash for the goal – each man for himself.

Eric is a lamb who struggles to survive in a world of jackals. By the time he can realize that the team’s mission has converted into a full-blown race, several people have zoomed right past him, leaving him behind in confusion. Even his most trusted comrade, Derek, now view him as a competitor and busies himself with devising plans to get rid of him. For running fast is not sufficient to ensure that you win the race. You also need to ensure that the others are pushed as far behind as possible.

Eric is in chaos. He falls prey to the trap and reaches no man’s land. But he must understand that this is the worst that can happen to him in this race. He thinks he is lost. He stares listlessly at a signpost that shows four arrows in different directions, clueless as to which arrow he must follow. A tornado is blowing over his head, ready to fling him away. But he must remember that the world is round, and everything in life goes in full circle. He can choose any of the options at this chaotic crossroad, and he can be assured that he will be able to make his way back. It’s a long walk, but the destination is still within bounds.

The world indeed is round, and Eric finds his way back. He scoots through a different route that intercept’s Derek’s path. He has a choice to run now, but the thought of landing Derek in the same chaos is more exciting than just achieving the pinnacle. He lays a booby trap for Derek and sits to watch the fun. Sure enough, the trap gets Derek – which becomes Eric’s point of elation.

Eric finds the pinnacle and sits proudly on it. Yes, there is no way he can occupy it forever, as there will always be some force that will try and bring him down. But as long as it’s there, it’s all his. The view from the pinnacle is a surreal dream. He waves down to the world in ecstasy and hopes that the moment lasts forever.

Eric is on the pinnacle, but the glory is all lost. The view is beautiful, but there is nobody to share it with. It is lonely up there and ecstasy the pinnacle offers is just not worth the cold loneliness. It’s time to surrender to the will of destiny.

Eric is on the pinnacle, but something is missing. The view is beautiful, but he realizes it will be more beautiful if the experience can be shared with his fellowmen. It’s time to help others scale up to the pinnacle.