Within each of us lies the power of our consent...

Before Richard begins his adventure with Shimoda, we learn about the Master. That magical being that can heal with the pass of a hand, repair a broken life with a word. An ordinary mechanic, his life flips upside down as people learn of his "powers." No, he really doesn't have any. But convince the mass who gathers to see his miracles. Convince those who throng to his side, hoping beyond hope for a glance upon him, a chance his arm might bump them in the crowd and change their lives forever.

The Master knows that we control our own destiny. He knows their calls of "Messiah" are misplaced. The parables he speaks are meant to show they can rely on inner strength. That they can depend on their own abilities and trust their judgments. No matter how many times he speaks, no matter the message, it falls on silent ears. They call upon him to save them from their misery. And yet again, the Master leaves behind his own life, escaping from those who cannot see the truth: it's up to them to change their lives.

"Within each of us lies the power of our consent... to health and to sickness. To riches and to poverty. To freedom and to slavery. It is we who control these, and no other."

Burden? Sure. Curse? Sometimes. But oh, what a ride. Finally realizing that the whole time, you were the one that made the smiles. And the tears. You were the one who gave comfort. And broke spirits. You were the one who captured the heart of the one that loved you. And turned that love away in childish anger.

Personal responsibility is a tough thing: it's hard to hold yourself accountable. The hot iron of pride is paired with the stamp of humiliation, and it's hard to wear both. The masks we wear to camouflage the scars rub raw. We silently scratch the wounds and hope nobody notices the imperfection. We worked hard to get where we are today. You didn't ride the winds of change without a saddle, I hope.