The true test begins (shit’s getting real)

I'm taken aback by the snakes on the path. Emerald green, with fierce red eyes. They symbolize all that I am still to experience on this road to independence. Green, the color of money. Red, the color of courage. I feel so alone, just my sword as a companion, like a heavy third leg. I look up. The hill seems so steep. There are wolves creeping in the shadows. They're not attacking, just letting you know they could shred you to pieces if they wanted to.

Slowly, I walk forward - for there is no other option. I am startled by a little girl, looking both defiant and scared. But I realize it is just my soul, reflected in the fog.

This is the first time that I find myself all alone. Not a friendly voice to tell me it will be OK. Or rather, I hear many positive ones, but I don't dare to believe them lest I become soft.

Today I went to the lake, and instead of the usual flock of geese, I saw several seagulls fighting each other for food scraps. At first, I was angry. Why did they have to scare the geese away?! But then I looked closer, and noticed their tired feathers, their broken beaks, and limping feet. I sat by the lake and offered this one gray seagull a piece of bread. She rushed towards me as if I was offering her her last meal. But then she froze, looked at me in recognition, and said: “Fear not, Sister. We may look ugly and mean, but we are daring warriors of the air and of the sea. We are here to keep the wolves at bay. When you sleep at night, with your back to the sky, we will watch over your innocence.”