The Source: A Rediscovered Homeland (An unfinished short story)

This is a short story that I have been writing for a couple months, and I have hit writer's block. Ugh! I love to write, and I try to improve on it whenever I can. A lot of times I feel my sentence structure, punctuation and syntax need improvements. As always, I am open to constructive feedback about my posts on here; even so, if you have any ideas about how I can elaborate and edit this story. There are no true life experiences related to this, it's really just creative writing. Anyway, please enjoy!

The Source: A Rediscovered Homeland”

            Preface: It all started with a young man, Paolo, who carried a determination like no one else. First off, he would climb tall trees, heights longer than 20 feet, and he embraced the quirkiest of creatures like spiders, frogs, snakes, owls and much more. Paolo’s friends seem jealous yet amazed by his persistence; Paolo never ceased striving to thrill himself, seeking to feel fulfilled for an abundance and deter voids of emptiness. The earth surrounded him as if it was a diamond from a luxurious underground, like something unique to capture one’s attention. In Paolo’s eyes, few things halted him, but overall he did not quit because of difficulty, or that a scenario seemed too complicated. Then so, he has walked across untrustworthy wooden bridges bonded by withered, old ropes. To add, when Paolo walked across the bridge swayed side to side like a sailboat swung by rushing ocean currents. The turbulence caused an uneasiness at first but it did not frighten him. After a while, the fear subsided. Now he had to use his discretion and reasoning to seek what matter to him – whatever or wherever it may be. This is his journey: his place, his sanctuary that seemed so small to some but so vital to him.

At first, it started during a time when Paolo needed to find his way to this place. This place seemed so far away to reach, like a never-ending spiral on a slide. Although this place seemed so distant to Paolo, he felt determined and knew it was special. He felt a connection like nothing else. This connection ruminated throughout his mind all the time, so much so he barely slept. Moreover, almost like when someone craves certain foods: it triggers strong thoughts then strong reactions. Now Paolo knew the only way he could find his destination was to travel, or he could quit because he knew it would be too difficult for him. Well, Paolo likes adventure and practices persistence, which are just a couple of qualities that he took heed of which never dissuaded him from challenges. He rarely let certain things discourage him from challenging himself for success because Paolo knew that if he did not try then he would fail and hear ridicule from people who would relish his failure. Sooner rather than later, Paolo would be the having the last laugh and it would be a sweet long lasting one. Is this a sign of over-confidence? Well, with the signs that somewhat appear in his favor, Paolo will bask in some type of vague glory.

To start off, Paolo needs to prepare for the dangers and risks of what he could encounter such as the difficult terrains, packing essentials gear and supplies and most importantly plenty of water for supplemental hydration. Just those few items could make all the difference for what he endures later on. Sometimes the uncertainty of adventures motivated Paolo; often times, he did not feel too wary from the thrill of taking risks. So therefore, he had packed up some hiking boots and shoes, jackets, three pairs of fresh clothes; granola bars for energy, almonds and beef jerky for protein and water to remain alert and refreshed; a compass, map and sturdy branch that doubled as a cane to stride through the rough and winding pathway. Well, as Paolo pondered, he thought of whether he forgot anything important. Whenever it comes to keeping a mental checklist, it seemed to be one of his weaknesses because of his exuberance distracts him. It is almost as if Paolo needed some type of object to regain his concentration – not to imply he had many problems with attentiveness. It seems like he is in this for a long haul, at least for the time of this excursion. Now if Paolo can only remember to take frequent breaks and nourish himself so he stays focused. In short, one thing is certain, he had a challenge set forth in front of him.