The old man turned off the truck. The only sound was the Ford’s engine ticking as it cooled.
“Well,” said Cole. “Guess I better get started.”
“Guess you better,” said the old man.
Cole opened the door and stepped onto the rocky ground. The old man got out and came around to stand next to him. He lit a cigarette. They watched the dawn in silence. The sky went from purple to pink to pale blue as the sun crested the hill.
The old man got into the truck. He started the engine.
“See you in four days,” he said.
A Native American person will undertake Hanbleceya, a vision quest, in an isolated area. In the Lakota tradition, the seeker will go four days without food, water, or contact with another human being. A successful vision quest will put the seeker in contact with a spirit helper or guide. The vision often comes in the form of an animal, a dream, or a song. This guide’ s presence is often signaled by a visionary experience or contact with an animal. Traditionally, a Wičasa Wakan – Holy Man – will advise the seeker and interpret the vision.
Dear Josh,
You captured Cole’s anticipation of what’s to come. Your explanation after the story saved me Googling Hanbleceya. ;) Well done as I’ve come to expect.
Shalom,
Rochelle
A great take on the prompt. I loved the possibilities here.
I didn’t know the word, but the concept is familiar as a coming of age ritual. Good story.
Nicely done. The lyric and understated take had me wondering of Cole is John Grady Cole ;-)
Visions or Hallucinations caused by hunger and thirst? Good one, J Hardy.
I loved the explanation… It really took me into the spirit of Tony Hillerman
Very subtly expressed. Thanks for the info at he end. I am beginning to fall in love with your historical fictional stories.
Brilliant stuff, J Hardy.
Most cool. I’ve heard about vision quests for years. This is a great characterization of one. I still haven’t discovered my spirit animal, though I note I’m especially drawn to Otters.
I like how you portrayed the moment they shared, before he started on his quest. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything out loud.
Sounds like some sort of coming-of-age ritual. I hope he makes it back in four days!
My grandson has just gone through someting similar to this as part of his Scouts leadership course! He survived.
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Lovely story. Thank you for the explanation of Hanbleceya. Cole sounded quite apprehensive, and you caught that beautifully.
The moment I finished, I thought “vision quest” so was pleased to see my guess was right. Well written. Loved the detail.
You set a beautiful scene. Loved Cole’s hesitation, yet acceptance of what was to come.
A well told tale and bit of native history. a person wonders if any young men were swallowed up by the elements and never came back to tell what they’d seen? (However, this was their land and they were physically prepared.)
Well done. I like the possibilities and anticipation. :o)
I loved this. I’ve done a good bit of reading about Native American practices. I knew pretty quickly what was happening here, but still appreciated the explanatory note.
Very well narrated, I felt as if i was there along side them. Educative too!
That beautifully fits the prompt. Thanks for including details of ‘Hanbleceya’.
Fabulous. I loved to learn about Hanbleceya. I can see how it would enlighten the person fasting in the wilderness.
That explanation made things clear. The scene is set perfectly with the narration.