There was a small village at the foot of a mountain. The village was called Shantipur. In that village lived a little girl named Turona. Every day, Turona would gaze at the big mountain from afar. In the morning, the mountain sparkled in golden sunlight, and by evening, it glowed in a soft reddish hue …
One day, Turona decided she would climb to the top of that mountain. Everyone said, ‘It’s too high, you won’t be able to.’ But Turona smiled and replied, ‘How will I know if I don’t try?’ …
The next morning, she set off with a bottle of water, some fruit, and a notebook. On the way, she grew tired, her feet ached on the stones, yet she didn’t stop. Sometimes she sat down to rest, listening to the sound of the wind and watching the birds fly …
Finally, after noon, she reached the top of the mountain. Looking down, she saw how beautiful her little village was, green fields, tiny houses, and a silver river flowing gently through it …
In her notebook, Turona wrote, ‘The joy of reaching the highest place only comes when you refuse to give up.’ …
Then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The air smelled of freedom, and inside her heart, there was peace …
She realized that the real mountain wasn’t outside, but within her. And that day, she had conquered both …
How we used to write short stories when we were young! I remember how every night I’d make up stories to tell my little sisters before they fell asleep. I used to jot down bits of them in my notebook too. Often, I’d go up to our rooftop with that notebook, gazing at the distant sky until my thoughts drifted away. I wanted to write, and sometimes, I did. Other times, I simply got lost in my own imagination!
I’m sure it happened with you too!
Anyways, now tell me,
What is the ‘mountain’ in your own life that you’ve been afraid to climb?
Or tell me,
When was the last time you tried something even though others doubted you?
Roksana Tales 
this is a darling inspirational story, Amy. I enjoyed this so much, i read it with a smile. Esp love the name you chose for Turona. She is someone I need to emulate more as I have refused to climb mountains anymore. I cant remember the last time I challenged myself. Perhaps, i’m contented with those I’ve achieved and dont need to impress myself with others anymore. Maybe i’ll go to my eternal rest without regrets.
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Thank you so much, dear Stefie! I think there’s a kind of strength in knowing when to pause and simply be content with the mountains already climbed …..
Your words beautifully reflect that!
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A wonderful story, Roksana. For me, there have been several mountains I’ve had to climb over the years, but much like Turona, I faced them one step at a time until I’d conquered them.
It’s never easy, but there’s no replacing the happiness and relief once those mountains have been faced.
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Thank you, Richard! I love how you put it, ‘one step at a time’ – I completely agree!
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