Soon she was by the river where it gushed wildly through the rock. A mild glow from the cave came through the water, and through a meager space around the torrent’s upper border. Approaching with caution, she studied it carefully. There was no room, even for a kirin, to squeeze between the stream of water and the stony encircling rim.

    “I’ll find another route,” she told the water. “But if I don’t, I might return and join you.”

    Quietly staring at the water, she wondered what would happen if she entered it. She envisioned herself gushing forth, falling peacefully, splashing into the pool below, then stepping out unscathed to the delight and applause of passing Shillitoes.

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