10. A Reversal

The Road Back is a reversal of the Call to Adventure where the hero returns home (instead of crossing the threshold) with her reward, but this time instead of expecting conflict and danger the hero will have acclaim, and maybe vindication, validation, absolution or even exoneration. However, the journey isn’t over yet and she may still need a little more help to get back to the Ordinary World. Right before the hero commits to the last stage of her journey, there may be a moment when she chooses between her own aim and that of a higher cause. 

How does Doris take The Road Back?

“So what did you put in that cake?” a bat said, still tearing up from laughing so hard.

“A secret ingredient,” Doris said. 

Before long, the fairies swept away the bats’ mess, and the bats made the little rainbow handkerchief beds of the fairies.”

Doris gets a little help on The Road Back to her Ordinary World after receiving the reward of adulation because of her gifts of hospitality, positivity and baking. Her party brings the bats and fairies together where they have so much compassion for each other they clean up each other’s messes. When a bat asks Doris about what she put in the cake that made them so happy, she mysteriously says it’s a secret ingredient. But readers can understand that the secret ingredient wasn’t crunchy bugs she baked inside the honey cakes, but love in action––the act of baking the cakes and creating a party, all things Doris thought to do to bring the scared fairies and bats into joy and community.

Have you ever reconciled with a loved one or discovered physical or intellectual treasure on your quest? Have Have you ever returned to your Ordinary World with a reward? If so, what was it? Is it possible that you’ve received rewards and never even known what they were? Write about a reward you’ve received after surviving an ordeal.

This is Part 10 of a 12 part series.

Be sure to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8 and Part 9 if you missed it!