Azoth: I wonder what town is ahead
Azoth walked down a long dusty road The sun was warm on his back and the box at his side swung lightly He could see smoke rising in the distance and the shapes of small houses
Azoth: Maybe someone needs help there
As he entered the town he noticed it was quiet The streets were empty and the windows of the houses were closed He heard soft murmurs but no laughter
Azoth: Hello anyone here
Old man: Who is that walking down the road
Azoth: I am Azoth I just came to see your town
Old man: Few come here these days It has been quiet for many years
Azoth: Why is everyone so sad
Old man: Life here is hard and people have forgotten to smile
Azoth: Maybe I can help them remember
He walked to the center of the town and saw children playing in a broken fountain They tried to make a ball from old rags but it fell apart
Azoth: Here I can help [repairing rag ball]
Child: Really you can fix it
Azoth: Yes watch this
He tied the rags together simply and rolled the ball toward them They laughed when it bounced correctly
Child: Thank you you are really good
Azoth: You are good too because you keep trying
The children ran and played happily for the first time in a while Their laughter echoed through the streets and the old man smiled
Old man: You have a kind heart young man
Azoth: I just like helping
As he walked further he saw a woman sitting on steps Her hands were dirty from working and her eyes looked tired
Azoth: Are you okay
Woman: I have no one to help me with my garden It will die if I cannot work
Azoth: I can help [planting seeds and watering]
Woman: You would do that for me
Azoth: Yes it is no trouble
He worked with her through the afternoon Planting seeds fixing broken fences and carrying water The woman's face slowly lit up with a small smile
Woman: I have not felt happy like this in a long time
Azoth: I am glad
When evening came Azoth found a small inn to rest The innkeeper was an old lady who barely spoke
Innkeeper: You want a room
Azoth: Yes thank you
She gave him a small room with a wooden bed and a candle on the table Azoth set his box on the bed and looked at it
Azoth: I wonder if you feel the people I help
He slept lightly that night dreaming of children laughing and flowers growing in the town
The next morning he walked to the edge of the town A small boy ran up to him
Boy: Mister you helped my sister and me thank you
Azoth: You are welcome I like seeing smiles
Boy: Will you stay here
Azoth: I must keep walking
Boy: Oh I wish you could
Azoth: Maybe one day I will return
As he left the town he saw the people waving goodbye Some even smiled openly for the first time in years He felt happy inside
Azoth: This is why I walk
He climbed a small hill and saw another town in the distance Its roofs were broken and smoke rose in thin lines He tightened the rope on his box
Azoth: I hope I can help there too
The path was long and rocky He stepped carefully and sometimes stumbled [balance and careful step] He stopped at a stream to drink and wash his hands
Azoth: The water is cold but it feels good
Suddenly he heard a shout [distant alarm] Someone was in trouble He ran toward the sound
Azoth: Wait I will help you
A girl was trapped in a small pit Her foot stuck and she could not climb out
Azoth: Hold on I will pull you up [rescue pull]
Girl: Thank you I thought I would be stuck here forever
Azoth: You are safe now
She smiled and ran off to her family He touched his box and kept walking
Azoth: No matter where I go someone will need help
He looked at the mountains ahead and the forest below The road was long and sometimes scary but he felt ready
Azoth: I will keep walking one step at a time
As the sun set the sky turned pink and orange He stopped at a small hilltop and watched the town below People laughed and children played His heart felt warm
Azoth: Maybe this is what life is about
He lay down under a tree The box was warm against his chest The stars slowly appeared and the wind whispered softly
Azoth: Tomorrow I will walk again
The night was quiet and peaceful He closed his eyes dreaming of towns filled with forgotten smiles