Fiction Freewriting #2304

#2024-0426

{Fiction Freewriting #2304}

Title: Encounter at Ecological Botanical Park Trail

Summary: The protagonist and his best "helper" V-Giant reached the Ecological Botanical Park Trail after Moon Viewing Peak. They encountered six strangers, clad in gray, on the narrow bridge-like path. V-Giant suggested invisibility, but the protagonist chose confrontation. As they hesitated, V-Giant signaled for him to head toward a nearby paved road. Clearly, their original plan to enjoy the Mountainside Scenic Trail was disrupted by the mysterious encounter.

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V-Giant and I soon reached the end of the Moon Viewing Peak trail (MVP), marking the beginning of another path known as the Ecological Botanical Park Trail (EBPT). This newly constructed trail was a raised, bridge-like structure. It was crafted from sturdy materials such as metal frames and plastic boards.

The EBPT offered visitors the opportunity to easily admire the magnificent scenery, featuring towering trees, dense bushes, and various leafy plants adorning the slopes. However, as we neared the interchange of the two trails (MVP and EBPT), we saw only the six strangers, with no other visitors in sight. Clad in uniforms in varying shades of gray, the strangers scanned their surroundings intently as they steadily advanced toward us.

V-Giant whispered, "Master, let's stay alert. If necessary, just don't forget you can make yourself invisible by kissing your left index fingertip. That way, I can deal with them freely without worrying about your safety."

I understood V-Giant's suggestion. Similar to summoning or dismissing my "magic partners" with kisses to the relevant fingertips, I could instantly make myself unseen by kissing my left index finger, allowing me to hide if needed. However, my instinct was to confront the strangers directly, without resorting to invisibility.

When we reached the interchange of MVP and EBPT, both of us stopped, with V-Giant two or three steps ahead of me, both facing the gang of the six strangers. They approached us in a line, because the EBPT was not wide enough for them to come side by side. The first two strangers instantly joined closely together, trying to stand shoulder to shoulder, and said almost in unison:

"Hey, guys. Could you let us pass, please?" Their voices lacked the politeness people usually show when greeting someone for the first time.

"No problem," V-Giant replied, "but wait a minute, for my Master needs time to walk to the paved road just out there. He's carrying a walking stick, you see?"

Saying this, V-Giant signaled to me, and I gave a visible smile to the group we encountered. I hurried a little up, moving toward the paved mountain road nearby. This road, instead of the raised trail, was wider and well-paved, suitable for some sort of vehicles to carry people or things up and down the mountain. And there were several tall trees with thick trunks on the roadside.

Well, to indicate how the routes interwind in this small, slopy area, let's map it this way: Look! The above-mentioned road and the EBPT and MVP are joined to form an R in Italian style; the first two -- that is, the paved road and the EBPT -- connect like the letter P; and, as you can see, the paved road itself is in the shape of "1." Just as "R - P =ヽ," the symbol "ヽ" may therefore stand for the final section of MVP.

If you enlarge the letter R, you'll see the upper half of it looks like a capital letter D in its small size. You can imagine that there's a tiny V on top of the small D. This way, as the EBPT meets the paved road at the bottom of V, the paved road goes straight upward, while the EBPT turns a little right in the direction, leading to another footpath known as the Mountainside Scenic Trail (MST).

After V-Giant and I reached the bottom of the small D, that is, the first "interchange" of the MVP and EBPT, marked by a tiny yellow cross on the map, I was now heading toward the paved road, as V-Giant expected.

Our original plan was this: We would firstly come up along the Moon Viewing Peak trail (MVP), then pass by the Ecological Botanical Park Trail (EBPT), and finally enjoy a pleasant, relaxed walk along the Mountainside Scenic Trail (MST). But there, at the beginning of the EBPT, we encountered the six strangers who seemed a bit difficult to deal with.

(To be continued.)

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相關文章 (See also)：

1)  回首頁 (Home Page): Fiction Freewriting #2300

2)  前一頁 (Previous Page): Fiction Freewriting #2303

3)  下一頁 (Next Page): Fiction Freewriting #2305

4)  參考: From Reality to Fiction (大事 → 小說)     (2023)

三百字故事：Three Versions of a Short Story

#2024-0417

Here are three versions of a short story, each containing 300 words, that involves animals and birds in a mountainous area.

Version A:

In the heart of a rugged mountain range, where the peaks kissed the sky and the valleys held secrets untold, there existed a serene lake known as Sapphire Waters. Around its banks, a harmony of creatures danced in the whispers of the wind and the gentle lull of the waves.

High above, a majestic eagle named Orion soared, his wings spanning the vast expanse of blue. With keen eyes, he scanned the land below, watching over his domain with stoic grace. Below him, nestled within the thick foliage, a family of foxes played amidst the dappled sunlight, their russet fur a vibrant contrast to the emerald greenery.

At the edge of the lake, a wise old turtle named Oaken basked in the warmth of the sun, his ancient shell adorned with tales of ages past. Beside him, a chorus of frogs serenaded the day with their melodious croaks, their voices weaving through the air like a symphony of nature.

In the depths of the forest, a solitary wolf named Luna prowled, her silver coat blending seamlessly with the shadows. With each step, she embraced the solitude of her domain, a silent guardian of the night.

As dusk descended upon the land, a choir of crickets welcomed the evening with their rhythmic chirps, while overhead, a parliament of owls took flight, their silent wings cutting through the cool night air.

In this mountainous haven, where the boundaries between earth and sky blurred into oblivion, the creatures lived in harmony, each playing their part in the grand tapestry of life. And as the stars painted the heavens with their celestial glow, they knew that together, they were bound by the timeless rhythm of the mountains, forever intertwined in the symphony of existence.

Version B:

In the heart of the misty mountains, where clouds play hide and seek with the peaks, a tale unfolded among the creatures of the wilderness.

High above, where the crags kissed the sky, a golden eagle named Aria soared with grace, her wings cutting through the thin air. Below her, nestled in the rocky crevices, a family of mountain goats traversed the steep slopes, their hooves finding purchase on the rugged terrain.

One crisp morning, as dawn painted the heavens with hues of pink and gold, Aria spotted a lone wolf prowling near the edge of the forest. Intrigued, she circled lower, watching as the wolf's sleek form moved with purpose. Sensing danger, the mountain goats huddled together, their vigilant eyes fixed on the intruder.

But as the wolf drew nearer, Aria noticed something amiss. His gait was not that of a predator on the hunt, but rather one burdened with sorrow. Descending gracefully, she landed on a nearby ledge, her keen eyes meeting the wolf's troubled gaze.

"What troubles you, brother of the forest?" she called out, her voice echoing against the rocky walls.

The wolf paused, startled by the eagle's unexpected address. With a heavy sigh, he spoke of his loneliness, of the loss of his pack to hunters who roamed these mountains. He spoke of his longing for companionship, for a family to call his own.

Moved by his plight, Aria spread her wings wide and beckoned to the mountain goats below. With gentle nudges and reassuring chirps, she urged them to approach the wolf, to bridge the gap between predator and prey.

And so, beneath the watchful eyes of the golden eagle, an unlikely bond formed among the inhabitants of the mountains. The wolf found solace in the company of his new friends, while the mountain goats discovered a guardian in their once-feared foe.

Together, they roamed the rugged landscape, their unity a testament to the enduring power of compassion in the wild.

Version C:

In the rugged expanse of the mountain range, where cliffs kissed the clouds and rivers whispered ancient tales, there thrived a delicate balance between the animals and birds. Among them was a solitary wolf named Aspen, his silver fur blending seamlessly with the moonlit snow.

One crisp morning, as dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, Aspen ventured forth from his den, his breath forming wisps in the chill air. His keen senses caught the faint rustle of feathers overhead. A majestic eagle, with wings outstretched like banners of freedom, soared gracefully above him. They exchanged a silent nod, acknowledging each other's presence in this shared domain.

Aspen's journey led him to a tranquil clearing, where a family of deer grazed peacefully. Their gentle eyes met his, conveying a silent understanding of the bond between predator and prey, a dance as old as time itself.

In the heart of the mountains, a shimmering lake reflected the azure sky above. Here, a symphony of birdsong filled the air as colorful plumage flashed amidst the foliage. Among them was Sora, a wise owl perched atop a weathered oak, her amber eyes ablaze with ancient wisdom.

One fateful day, a tempest swept through the mountains, its fury unleashed upon the land. Trees bowed beneath the onslaught, and rivers roared with unchecked power. In the midst of the chaos, Aspen and Sora found themselves drawn together, seeking refuge from the storm.

With Aspen's strength and Sora's wisdom, they weathered the tempest, their bond forged in the crucible of adversity. As the storm clouds parted and sunlight bathed the land once more, a newfound harmony settled over the mountainous realm.

From that day forth, Aspen and Sora stood as guardians of the mountains, their spirits intertwined with the wild heart of nature. In their unity, they found strength, and in their diversity, they found beauty—a testament to the enduring power of life in all its forms.

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If you compare the three versions above, which one do you think is the best? Could you please tell me why it is your favorite? -- As for me, I like them all, because each version of the story offers a unique perspective on the harmony and interactions between animals and birds in a mountainous setting. 

Let's evaluate each one:

Version A paints a vivid picture of the mountainous landscape and its inhabitants, weaving together the stories of various creatures such as the eagle, foxes, turtle, and wolf. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these creatures and the natural world around them, creating a sense of unity and symbiosis. The prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader into the serene and timeless rhythm of life in the mountains.

Version B focuses on the theme of compassion and unlikely friendships, particularly between the golden eagle, mountain goats, and lone wolf. It introduces a conflict with the wolf's loneliness and loss, which is resolved through the intervention of the eagle and the acceptance of the goats. This version highlights the power of empathy and understanding to bridge differences and foster harmony, even among traditionally opposed species.

Version C takes a more introspective approach, delving into the inner thoughts and experiences of the solitary wolf, Aspen, and the wise owl, Sora. It emphasizes their individual journeys and the transformative power of their bond, especially in the face of adversity. This version explores themes of resilience, cooperation, and the interconnectedness of all living beings within the natural world.

Each version has its strengths, but personally, I find Version C to be the most compelling. Its focus on the personal growth and connection between Aspen and Sora, amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous storm, adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. The imagery is vivid, and the themes of resilience and unity resonate strongly, making it a captivating and memorable story.

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相關文章 (See also)：

1)  Puppy Love     (2010)

2)  Fiction Freewriting #2300     (2023)

3)  Ueno Zoological Garden (上野動物園)     (2023)

走到 "北濱公園" ~ Look! The Pacific Ocean...

#2024-0412

While Antony and Anita are in Taipei attending the 12th World Anglican Chinese Clergy Fellowship (第十二屆聖公宗華人牧師會), Jean and I stayed at St. Luke's Church in Hualien, helping take care of James and John, who are respectively in the 7th grade and 3rd grade.

A couple of days ago, on Children's Day, we, along with our grandchildren and Antony, visited the mouth of the Meilun River. The adults walked, while the children rode bicycles. Jean and I enjoyed the short walk and planned to continue along the same route, which leads to Beibin Park (北濱公園), also known as the North Shore section of Pacific Ocean Park (太平洋公園北濱段). Today, we carried out our plan after both of our grandchildren went to school.

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相關文章 (See also)：

1)  走到了 "美崙溪出海口"     (2024)

2)  將軍府 (The General's Residence)     (2024)

3)  Hualien Pacific Ocean Lantern Festival, 2024     (2024)