Part 6 (through page 151) Summary

At the start of this part of the journey, Santiago expresses his fear and doubt to the alchemist. He tells the alchemist that his heart must be a traitor because it fears the journey ahead. It tells Santiago that he has already found his treasure, referring to Fatima's love, and it wants him to go back. The alchemist says he thinks that is a natural reaction for a heart to have, now that Santiago is following his dream. He tells him that his heart is afraid of suffering and of losing what it has won. They discuss the importance of listening to the heart.

Crossing the desert, Santiago learns to accept his heart as it is. He lets go of his fear of following his destiny and stops wanting to return to the oasis. He understands that his heart...