On a sand-covered planet orbiting two radiant suns, the air was dry and warm. Long shadows stretched over the dunes, which rolled across the landscape like small waves.

  To protect her from the heat of this world, Artemis had received special shoes, crafted by Helios just for her.

  “It feels strange to have something on my feet, but I really can’t feel the hot sand,” she said gratefully. For her, the shoes were a brilliant idea, something she’d never have thought of herself.

  In the midst of the endless desert landscape, the two friends came across a Reba, which they didn’t notice until they were standing right in front of it. The small, sand-colored creature was observing an even smaller, unassuming object.

  “Hello, you two. A Satori nut has such a nice smell, doesn’t it?” the Reba asked in a friendly voice as it noticed the newcomers.

  The turtle and the Linea looked at the nut that the fluffy creature was studying so intently.

  Artemis sniffed it thoroughly, then said, “It looks interesting, but I can’t smell anything.”

  Helios asked hopefully, “Can the nut tell us something about life?”

  Artemis glanced at her friend skeptically. She didn’t believe that a nut could help them understand life.

  The Reba sat down in the warm sand, which trickled through its claws, carefully took the nut in its paws, and smiled wisely.

  “Life is indeed like trying to open a hard nut,” it began. “Sometimes, I can’t crack the shell on the first try. Then I just try another way. With each attempt, I get closer to the solution until I finally succeed. It’s the same in life. For me, it’s important to learn from my mistakes and keep trying. Every challenge is a chance to become smarter and wiser.”

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  As the Reba spoke, Artemis and Helios watched its movements closely. Tirelessly, it worked at the nut with its claws, trying different approaches and never getting discouraged when the nut didn’t open.

  “You know, Artemis,” Helios whispered so as not to disturb the Reba, “when I was younger, I found it really difficult to steer the Gordan with my thoughts. It frustrated me so much because I felt like I’d never get it right.”

  Artemis nodded. “I know exactly what you mean. I used to be afraid of swimming and diving. I had to practice a lot before I felt safe doing it on my own.”

  With his head held high, Helios replied, “But eventually, I got the hang of it, and flying became second nature.” He shrugged. “Of course, the next challenge wasn’t far behind.”

  The Reba, who had overheard their quiet conversation with its keen ears, smiled knowingly. “Oh yes, sometimes it feels like one problem just follows another. But in the end, you always learn something new.”

  After several attempts, the hard shell finally cracked, and revealed the inside of the nut. The little creature beamed with joy and held one half up triumphantly. “See, it was worth not giving up. Sometimes, it just takes time.”

  Inside the nut was a green, gooey mass that smelled like strong cheese and rotten eggs. Helios sniffed happily. “Ah, that smells delicious. I could eat it right up!” Artemis, however, grimaced and tried to breathe through her mouth to avoid the intense smell.

  Deeply impressed by the Reba’s patience, Artemis and Helios understood the importance of this lesson. They realized that life was full of challenges that can only be overcome with perseverance and a willingness to learn.

  Numerous markings appeared on the Kensho stone, forming a pattern that looked like a great maze. They symbolized the different life paths that were shaped by detours but ultimately all led to one’s goal.

  Feeling grateful, Artemis and Helios bid farewell to the Reba, who was happily devouring the green mush.

  They continued their exploration with determination, ready to face the universe’s challenges. The sand-covered planet and the unmistakable smell of the Satori nut would always remind them of the value of patience.