The Valley on the Mountain

How could there possibly be a valley on top of a mountain? Unless of course the whole mountain blows up and caves in upon itself, thus leaving a huge crater. In a natural or in a spiritual setting, a valley is depicted as a low place. It can be a place of tranquility and restoration. On the opposite end is the mountaintop experience, one of joy, peace, and exuberance, a feeling of being on top of the world.

Both are experienced in this story where the writer is cast into a place of exile via...