The Mist Dissipates in Warm Water

Water and fire were destined to stay apart: when water touched fire, it became mist; when fire touched water, it became smoke. Yet fire secretly loved water's gentleness, and water quietly longed for fire's radiance. One day, a mountain villager filled a clay pot with water and carefully banked the fire in a stone stove. The flame licked the bottom of the pot, and the water slowly warmed, tiny bubbles rising to the surface. The villager smiled, poured out hot water, and made tea. "Who says they have to be natural enemies? Find the right way, and fire can warm water while water can soothe fire." At last, fire and water understood: true acceptance doesn't mean forcing yourself close. It means each keeping its place and helping the other flourish.