Try

A Boy, a Temple, and the Name He Was Given

Try opened the door to the temple.

He saw a golden monkey with orange eyes.

The monkey spoke to him.

“What is your name?” he asked.

“Try,” whispered the boy.

“Don’t tease me,” said the monkey.

“No. ‘Try’ is my name. My parents gave it to me so that I would always be reminded by everyone who ever called me by my name to try, to never give up.”

“You have very wise parents,” remarked the monkey, his eyes turning from orange to red. “I can see them now.”

“Where?” asked Try. “They’ve already passed,” he said sadly, a tear rolling down the corner of his eye.

“I see them in a tranquil place,” replied the monkey. “They are smiling.”

“I miss them,” whispered Try.

“Your parents are always watching over you,” responded the monkey, “and they are so proud that you have honored the name that they have given you.”

A story by Pemba Umoja