2. Clarity

“There is too much to do,” said the Stag.

“Do it all,” said the Rat.

“What doesn’t need doing?” said the Wren.

“Everything needs doing. That’s the problem,” said the Stag.

“He’s right,” said the Rat. “Drop something and it falls apart.”

“Has that happened before?” said the Wren.

“No. But it could.”

“So what are you seeing — what’s real, or what could go wrong?” said the Wren.

The Stag said nothing.

“Tell him to stop overcomplicating this,” said the Rat. “Just work harder.”

“I’m not overcomplicating it,” said the Stag. “I can see the list. It’s long.”

“Is it a list of what matters, or a list of what worries you?” said the Wren.

“I don’t know the difference anymore.”

“What needs removing?” said the Wren.

“Nothing. I can’t afford to lose anything,” said the Stag.

“Can you afford to keep them?” said the Wren.

The Stag went quiet.

“No.”

“Then where is the noise coming from?” said the Wren.

“Me,” said the Stag.

“Stay with the list,” said the Rat. “You’re losing focus.”

“No,” said the Stag. “I think I’m finding it.”

Silence.

“There are three things that matter today. I can see them now.”

The River was clear.

If you recognised something in this dialogue, you're not alone.

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