Mind free.

Only God.

Only Love.

Without acknowledging anyone in particular, but with a sweeping smile that included everyone, Shard walked slowly away from the hut.

Mind free.

Only God.

Only Love.

The sadhus quietly followed.

Mind free.

Only God.

Only Love.

He walked slowly through the small forest he loved so much, past his favourite trees and shrubs – Azadirachata indica, Acaccia catechu, Ficus benghalensis – whispering their names, wondering whether he’d see anything like them again and assuring himself he would.

Mind free.

Only God.

Only love.

Like a puppet under the strings to the hand of God, he turned off the main track and took a path rarely used.

Mind free.

Only God.

Only love.

The path led him to a ledge on the side of the mountain with a sweeping view over the valley below.