Through the Sunflower Field And Back

There once was a young boy named Caleb who was born blind. Despite his disability, Caleb was an adventurous and curious boy who loved to explore the world around him. His loyal companion was his guide dog, a golden retriever named Max, who was trained to help Caleb navigate the world safely. Max was more than just a guide dog to Caleb, he was his best friend and constant companion. His fur was warm, soft and smooth to the touch with a broad and strong head that could withstand any cuddling. But the greatest thing of all about Max was that he smelt of sunflowers and this scent gave Caleb the sense of safety and comfort he admired most. One day, while out for a walk with Max, Caleb heard the screech of car tires and a loud thud. He immediately knew that Max had been hit by a car. Caleb felt his heart sink as he heard Max's pained whimpering. He frantically called out to his beloved guide dog, but there was no response. The sound of the car drove away, leaving Caleb alone with his grief and his dyingcompanion. Caleb wept for hours holding Max's motionless body, and for once he was grateful he had no sight to behold the miserable fate bestowed upon his arms. As the sun began to set, Caleb knew that he had to say goodbye to his loyal friend. As he dug a grave in the garden for Max, he vowed to never forget Max and to honor his memory in any way he could. Days passed, and Caleb could not shake the feeling that Max was still with him, for some reason the smell of sunflowers still lingered in the air. He began to have vivid dreams about Max and felt his presence in his everyday life. One night, Caleb had a dream where Max came to him and spoke to him. Max told him that he was not truly gone and that he could be brought back to life, but there was a catch. Max explained that to bring him back, Caleb would have to walk through an endless field of sunflowers, and at the end of the field, he would find a magical well. If he could collect water from the well and bring it back to Max's grave, Max would be resurrected but if not he would be bound to walk through the fields until death. Caleb was overjoyed at the possibility of bringing Max back to life. He knew that it was a risky journey, but he was determined to try. After all, he felt like he owed it to him for guiding him through the world. If walking through a field of sunflowers was all it took to bring back his best friend, then he was more than willing to do so. 

The next morning, Caleb set out on his journey to find the magical well but as he packed some food and water, to set out on foot, he couldn't help but feel a bit discouraged. How would one go about finding a place one has never been to let alone can't even see. But his doubt got lifted in a blow when a whiff of sunflowers had caught his nose. It was in this enlightening moment that he realized to follow his own "snout" and regained his bravery to save Max. As Caleb walked through the field of sunflowers, the driving cars and city commotion grew faint whilst realizing how often loud and annoying the town noise would be but as of now, he heard the sound of bees buzzing, birds singing, felt the warm sun on his face, and he smelled the sweet, familiar fragrance of sunflowers.

The endless rows of sunflowers seemed to stretch on forever, but Caleb pressed on. Days turned into weeks, and Caleb's feet became sore, and his stomach rumbled with hunger and his mouth was parched of thirst. He had not found the magical well yet, and he was starting to lose hope. His stride became weaker and weaker until he had no strength left and fell onto the ground. "This is it," Caleb rasped, "I am lost, I have no clue where to go and I will probably die here." Caleb started crying not able to contain his stream of tears, " I am sorry Max," he thought to himself, "I tried but I don't think I can continue."Stranded alone with only his senses, dreads of fear, uncertainty, he grew weary and a short while after his eyes just shut as he drifted off into a deep sleep. 

DRIP, DRIP. A constant pattern of echo penetrated deeper into Caleb's conscience associating and recalling the imagery of water in his mind. Left with the last remaining energy in him he gets up and made haste to the well, following the resonance of the water. A wave of relief and hope overcame him as he collapses over the well. Finally, he made it and what a feeling of accomplishment he had. But, the mission wasn't over yet. He pulled out his bottle out of the backpack and filled it with the water from the well. He closed the bottle and slowly ascertained his way of going back. His brain set out an electricalcharge that formed a solution, even if it was rather more impulsive than surely. He quickly gathered all his belongings, safely secured them into his backpack and started running towards the city noise. "Thankgod," he exulted, chuckling at the irony how the constant bother in the past would now be his saving grace. He came closer and closer to the edge of the field. He couldn't believe he was right and how happy he was over the sound of blaring traffic, construction work, and flying air planes. It wasn't long now and he was soon going to be reunited with his best buddy. He always avoided this area in the garden and even though he's never seen the tombstone, Caleb knew he was standing right in front of it. There was a cool breeze in the night air and anew, a cloud of doubt hovering over him. "What if this will all have been for nothing? What if none of this was real and I'll never get to see Max again?" Caleb uttered. He remembered Max's words and how far he's come. He poured the water over his grave and wasn't quite sure what to wait for. An image of a large, flat cement stone built in front of Caleb's eyes and an engraved name spelled "MAX" was written on the tombstone. Caleb could not fathom what was happening. He was able to see, for the very first time. BARK. BARK. A familiar and immensely longed sound came from a distance. He turned around to look for where it was coming from following the heavy scent of sunflowers that filled the air. And there he was; the lustrous coat of gold, the broad and sturdy neck, perfect for hugging, a medium sized dog with eyes staring at only him as if he were the world beaming with glee, just like he had always imagined; it was "Max."