Nothing Is Perfect

Journey to the West 107 Nothing Is Perfect

The travelers laid the soaked scrolls on some rocks. “ The sun will dry them out, ” said Wukong. The Tang Monk moaned. “ What if they’re ruined?” He sat down and put his head in his hands. “ I wish I’d remembered to ask Buddha the turtle’s question! ” Bajie snorted. “ Who cares if you forgot the turtle’s question? That turtle had no right to dump us in the water! ”

“ Dumping us in the water was rude, ” Wujing agreed. Bajie sighed. “ The journey back east is becoming just as difficult as the journey west. ” “ Hello! ” cried a voice. The travelers turned and saw a man hurrying toward them. “ Chen, ” said the Tang Monk. He grasped the man’s hands. “ It’s good to see you again. ”

“ It’s good to see all of you. ” Chen smiled. “ Did you reach the Western Paradise?” “ Yes, ” said the Tang Monk. “ It was magnificent! The land is filled with beauty. ” Chen noticed the scrolls lying on the rocks, and his eyes went wide. “ Are those the True Scriptures?” he whispered. “ Yes, ” said the monk. “ But as you can see, they got wet. ”

“ A giant turtle dumped us in the river, ” added Bajie with a sigh. “ Please come with me, ” said Chen. “ You can dry the True Scriptures by my fire. Everyone in the village will be excited to see the travelers who met Buddha. ” Wujing started gathering the wet scriptures. “ I’ll help you, ” said Bajie.

The pig grabbed a scroll and pulled. But it was stuck to a rock. Rip! The corner of the scroll tore off. The Tang Monk gasped. “ Oh no! ” Bajie stared in horror at the torn scroll. Wukong smiled. “ Don’t worry, Master. ” The monkey gently picked the rest of the scroll off the rock. “ The scroll is fine. ” “ But it’s ripped! ” cried the monk.