The Question

The disciple came to the master and said, “I am in love, and it hurts.”

The master was sweeping the floor. He did not stop.

“She is distant,” the disciple continued. “I wait, I give space, I try harder. If I let go, I fear I will lose her.”

The master placed the broom against the wall and asked, “When you hold water in your hands, how do you keep it?”

The disciple tightened his fingers. “Like this.”

The water ran out faster.

The master loosened his hands and held them open. “Like this.”

“What if it leaves?” the disciple asked.

“It already is,” the master said, and returned to sweeping.

The disciple stood there for a long time, holding nothing, finally feeling how heavy his hands had been.