The Flower

Terry had been walking for 20 years without respite and felt he was nearing the end of his journey. He rested a little and turned to admire the view. Beyond the rocky mountain he stood upon sprawled a lush green valley. In the far distance he could just make out his little, old house he had lived in until one morning 20 years ago he had decided to climb the mountain. He took a deep breath and smiled at the progress he had made.
After a few minutes he began his climb once again, slowly, inch by inch, making his way over the rocky terrain. Images of the summit and the beautiful flower that he was told would cure all pain filled his mind. His heart began to race. A bird flew overhead encouraging him on.
And then he saw his first glimpse of the summit - a small plateau, 2 metres by 2 metres, covered in bright green moss and a single flower in the center. Terry reached up and pulled himself onto the plateau.
He tried to stand up but his legs had grown weak. He fell to the ground with a thump which echoed troughout the universe.
Hidden within the echo was the sound of a flower being crushed.