His eyes dart frantically,

his palms are sweating as they slide against each other

He grits his teeth trying to keep them one

He looks up at the old man

The sun is in his eyes,

He hears voices around-

Are they talking about him?

Are they saying he shouldn’t be here,

That he’s not worthy,

That he’s not worth the soot they sweep off the temple floor

His jaw clenches and he swallows.

He can’t show the master his fear

He’d rather die than prove everybody right

He exhales and open his eyes.

Birds chirp.

The master smiles.

So much emotion

So much desperation

All just to say hi.