The misty river was illuminated by the rays of the rising sun. A small boat drifted along with the current, and in it lay a man, gazing up at the sky. His green eyes fixed upon the heavens, and he pondered existence, contemplating that it might be better to die while floating on the boat across the expanses of seas and oceans than to return to whence he came.

His thoughts were interrupted by a powerful impact against the side of the boat. He thought the boat had sprung a leak and that he would never reach the coveted sea to meet the Mother, as he had dreamt long ago. However, when he examined the point of impact, he discovered a wine barrel, from which faint cries of a child emanated. Instantly, his apprehension dissolved, and he grabbed an oar nearby, using it to push the barrel while uttering:

"May the Mother grant you a better life..."

Then, he returned to his boat and sighed. But suddenly, old words from his father, whose voice he had nearly forgotten, came to his mind. The man leaped out of the boat and swam after the barrel, his eyes darting in all directions, hoping to find the small barrel in the misty river.