The Stranger

This deep night, empty of human souls, signals some unforeseen calamity; you seem so helpless! Even when this desolate night ends—it feels as if it never truly ends; at this very moment the world takes on such a strange and terrible enchantment—that perhaps no ordinary person could ever fathom it; unless you can separate yourself from the crowd of common folk—this bewitching tune will never disturb you.

You have come here... for some particular purpose? Aren't you afraid? No... I mean, at such a deep hour of night, in this place among the graves, I have never before encountered anyone; who are you, tell me?

I am a penniless man; but however destitute you imagine me to be... undoubtedly, I am nowhere near that!

Ah! Don't embarrass me by increasing my anxiety! Why are you suddenly thinking of suicide as the only path to liberation? Still, there's something about you that has caught my attention—you are truly extraordinary.

Why, tell me?

Your foresight is undoubtedly razor-sharp, and this unique way of surrendering yourself to the Creator's proximity reveals itself—a special outline crystallizes in your thinking.

My life feels somehow scattered... though it wasn't like this before. This much I remember clearly—I never felt so suffocated living before; it feels as if someone is constantly choking me. The truth is, I cannot accept—that I have no one to call my own. I had made a promise to the person within me—no matter what obstacles came, I would keep walking this path; but I can't do it anymore!

Yet I keep trying to fix everything somehow; there are certainly flaws in my efforts, I'm making some mistake somewhere. Have I really become so alone? Learning to live apart from everyone has become the greatest challenge—as if it's my only goal.

There's only one problem: when you desperately want death—death won't come. Though it may seem that all the suffering in my life has exceeded its limits—that wouldn't be wrong. You might argue—people are carrying on with life from positions worse than mine!

So what? Just because they can manage doesn't mean I have to—is there some contract for that? The problems in my life have become mountainous to me; if I have neither the strength nor the ability to climb to that mountain's peak... however much you try to convince me—is it possible for me to... increase my attachment to this life?

What do I gain by telling you all this? But you know what?... it's not easy to ignore you—you've guessed correctly... I am suffering from indecision; I'm assuming—we are strangers.

We are in no way separate or contradictory to each other. Such an attitude doesn't suit you. You never had disgust for life; have faith in your own existence. This is a new path—that's why you're having more difficulty than usual. I informed you about this path from the beginning; not by mistake, but willingly you have walked this path. You walked alone, no one was ever with you—it's interesting that you can realize this now!

Though late, you have... deemed necessary the search for that strength required to walk the path of emptying yourself. Remember, the very first step will determine your destination. My congratulations to you.

This is probably our—final conversation.