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The Painter
Long ago, there was a land bordered by the sea, inhabited by people in the hundreds. The people were unique and diverse, but they all had one thing in common. They were cheerful.
Amongst the hundreds in this kingdom was a girl beloved by all.
She was addressed as the painter.
The painter was a lovely girl with hands so talented she was unrivalled under the heavens. Her paintings were vibrant and beautiful. They put those who looked upon them in a delightful mood and for the people of the kingdom who always had smiles on their faces, this was a remarkable feat.
Over the years the painter gained fame, fortune and good name, but these achievements did not go to her head.
Eventually, she became known by all who lived in the kingdom and even farther.
Alas, her true name was forgotten by the people, and she became solely addressed as the painter.
There came a day, like any other, when an exhibition to display the treasured paintings took place. It was held in the grand hall located in the centre of the city.
On this day, the hall was filled to the brim. People from every corner had come to admire the most lovely paintings.
Amongst these people was a foreign man wearing a hat and dressed in strange clothes. However, no one cared.
They were more interested in the paintings hanging on the walls.
This man was a foreigner from the northern kingdom. A few days away.
He had a hand on his belt and placed the other on his chin. Like many others, his gaze was fixated on the paintings.
Though, unlike others whose eyes were filled with admiration, affirmation, and awe. The man had eyes filled with these, but also puzzlement.
Seemingly noticing something, the man walked from one painting to the other.
Starting from the oldest at the entrance of the hall to the newest at the end of the hall.
Like this, he looked at every painting, all forty-nine of them. His scrutinizing gaze peering at every corner of the works of art and leaving no detail unnoticed.
Time passed, and the people had started to leave for their homes. The foreign man remained as one of the few remaining in the hall.
He was gazing at an exquisite painting of the view of the wide ocean when the sun was going behind the horizon.
This, was the forty-ninth painting.
Not long after, he withdrew his gaze. His expression was like a person who had made a discovery.
Towards his left was a door that had been left slightly ajar. From behind this door came the faintest sounds of noisy cans.
Instantly, he walked towards this door and entered the room. There, he saw a maiden even lovelier than a painting.
“Excuse me.” The foreign man said as he removed his hat.
“Are you the painter?” He queried.
“Yes, I am. How can I help you?” The painter dropped her paintbrush and asked with a smile.
“Y-yes. I come here with a question.” He was a little flustered but managed to regained his composure.
“Oh? Ask me then. I shall try my best to answer.” The painted turned to face him completely, then offered him a seat.
“Thank you.” He said, taking a seat.
“You are welcome.” The painter was polite as well. Her smile, as the man had noticed, never once fading.
“My lady, first allow me to say, your paintings are the most amazing works of arts I have ever seen. To be able to admire them all, it has been my honour.” The foreign man praised her earnestly.
“Thank you sir. You are too kind.” The painted replied.
“My lady, your paintings are wondrous, but I couldn't help but notice a concerning matter. And that is, your paintings have lost their cheer. Works of art reflect their creator's soul, so may I ask why you are unhappy?”
The painter was surprised. She looked at the man incredulously, as never once had this question been asked. In response, she said:
“Sir, whatever do you mean? Of course, I'm happy. There is no reason to be sad. A miserable person would not smile as I am doing.”
The painter regained her composure. She smiled at the foreign man in a manner that he thought unnatural.
“I ask because I sense sadness from your paintings. The colours you use are no longer vibrant. The clouds are turning gray and the skies are stormy.”
Hearing the foreigner say this put the painter in a daze and caused her smile to falter. A light flashed across her eyes and she said to him in a soft voice.
“This is the first I have been asked this question. Who in the seven seas does not know my kingdom is one filled with joy and happiness? Here it is unnatural to be unhappy, yet you asked.”
“Yes. I know this. But it is not unnatural to feel sadness or any other emotion as it is a part of our nature. If you think not, how then do you explain the feeling you have when you drop the last available piece of your favourite dessert on the ground? Or when you fall and sustain injuries that cause you pain? How about when you experience the passing of a loved one? Would you say you were happy in these situations? I could give a few more instances and let you judge.”
The painter stared quietly at the man before shaking her head in disagreement.
“I would not be happy in those situations, but I have been taught from a small age to wear a smile on my face and to be joyous no matter what. Is this wrong?”
The man shook his head.
“No. It is not wrong to smile when happy, but to laugh in times of sadness, anger, or pain is. When you bottle your emotions and force them down, there would come a day when the bottle reaches its limit. Then you will be overwhelmed by the raging waves of emotions and become distressed.”
“I see.”
“Now that you understand, can you tell me the reason for your low spirits?”
The painter nodded and turned to look at her unfinished painting. She then began to speak in a voice, the least bit cheerful.
“For years, I have made paintings that brought people joy and caused them to be enthralled. These paintings of mine have brought more happiness to the people and for this, I am proud. Unfortunately, the reason I decided to paint is dying. By the time I finish this painting, my mother will be gone.”
The painter paused at this point. Once again, her lips spread into a smile, but it was bitter.
“In the times when I was a little girl, my mother and I were commoners who lived alone. My father had passed early, lost in an accident at sea. My mother once said to me, “child, one day, I hope we can leave this place and travel across the seas. I hope we can visit new kingdoms and meet new people.”
At the time, I was confused. Why would you want to leave? This place is wonderful. This, I questioned myself. But as I looked at her longing gaze trained in the direction of the sea, I remained quiet. It was then I decided to make her a present. It was my first painting. A fantastical and imaginative view of a different kingdom and its people. My mother adored that painting. She was only short of setting an altar to worship it. It was then I decided to make more paintings for my number one fan.”
The man was touched by such a tale. A tale of a child who wanted to fulfil her mother's dream.
The painter turned away from her paintings and looked at the man. She then continued.
“Although, I didn't understand why my mother wanted to leave, I came to understand as I grew older. This kingdom is the most peaceful and harmonious in the region. The people wear smiles on their faces and always have a kind word or two. Yet, in a kingdom so serene and not torn by war, why are our numbers the fewest? I came to notice that underneath those smiles and facades of happiness are other emotions that have been locked away and tossed aside into a corner of the heart. But every bottle has its limit and once the threshold is reached, the negative feelings that had once been trapped, would rush out like a tide and overwhelm the mind. It is unclear to me why we only ever allow ourselves the feelings of happiness, but it has been this way for generations and the people, myself included, have gotten used to it. Still, being used to ignoring other emotions does not mean we can withstand the waves of emotions released all at once. Most people are not strong enough, so they decide to end their pain. Like my father.”
"Your father?” The foreign man quietly asked.
“Yes. He did not die in an accident like my mother had said. At least not in the accident that took his hands away. My father was overrun by grief, you see. He could not accept that he had become a cripple, so he drowned himself in the harbour. When they found him, he still had his lips spread in a smile. It was plastered on his face. Even until death, my father feigned happiness."
The room was silent and sombre. This tale astonished the northern man. He had never imagined there to be people who smiled even if they were sad and broken.
'This is unnatural.' He thought.
The painter sat in her chair with her eyes flowing with emotion. Two streaks of liquid flowed uncontrollably from her eyes. The painter was weeping, heartbreakingly so. Even still, she tried to stretch her lips to a smile.
The foreigner was depressed as well. His heart was heavy with emotion, and he felt for the painter and the people of this kingdom. The happiest kingdom in all the seven seas was in reality the unhappiest of all.
The foreigner stood from his chair and went up to the painter. He held her hands in comfort as he said:
“You are a wonderful person who deserves to be happy. But do not force yourself to be joyous even when you are not, for that would be a matter of the greatest distress. There is no shame in feeling sadness. Because eventually, by letting your emotions out, the dark clouds will pass, and the sky shall once more be brightened.”
The man wiped the tears from her face. She was heavy with emotion. All the emotions she had kept locked up in her heart.
“My lady, you made paintings, so your mother could see a different world as she wished. This is worthy of admiration. Do you want to come with me? Your mother included. We shall find the best doctor to cure her illness and let her fulfil her dreams.”
The painter looked at the person before her. She then smiled a genuine smile and said to the foreigner:
“Yes, I will. But first, I must finish this painting.”
“Very well.”
In the days that came, the painter and the foreigner spent their time together. They would shop together and sing folk songs in the town square.
Marabel's mother had met with Victor and thought him a fine man for her daughter to wed. Though the painter denied and insisted their relationship was none of the sort, the two could do nothing to stop their cheeks from turning red.
Her mother was delighted by the news of their voyage, and she agreed in a heartbeat.
Soon, the three boarded a ship and sailed away from the kingdom. They went on many adventures and lived a truly happy life.
But before they left, the painter gave her home a parting gift. It was her fiftieth painting. Her finest one yet because to the painter, it represented the beginning of an end while to the people, this painting gave them the gift of sight.
With this, they would be enlightened and be free to express themselves however they felt. No longer would they have to hide their pains behind a smiling facade.
The people of this kingdom would finally learn to be truly happy by letting go of their sorrows.
•This is a tale of Smiling Depression.
© All Rights Reserved
© Dieko
Amongst the hundreds in this kingdom was a girl beloved by all.
She was addressed as the painter.
The painter was a lovely girl with hands so talented she was unrivalled under the heavens. Her paintings were vibrant and beautiful. They put those who looked upon them in a delightful mood and for the people of the kingdom who always had smiles on their faces, this was a remarkable feat.
Over the years the painter gained fame, fortune and good name, but these achievements did not go to her head.
Eventually, she became known by all who lived in the kingdom and even farther.
Alas, her true name was forgotten by the people, and she became solely addressed as the painter.
There came a day, like any other, when an exhibition to display the treasured paintings took place. It was held in the grand hall located in the centre of the city.
On this day, the hall was filled to the brim. People from every corner had come to admire the most lovely paintings.
Amongst these people was a foreign man wearing a hat and dressed in strange clothes. However, no one cared.
They were more interested in the paintings hanging on the walls.
This man was a foreigner from the northern kingdom. A few days away.
He had a hand on his belt and placed the other on his chin. Like many others, his gaze was fixated on the paintings.
Though, unlike others whose eyes were filled with admiration, affirmation, and awe. The man had eyes filled with these, but also puzzlement.
Seemingly noticing something, the man walked from one painting to the other.
Starting from the oldest at the entrance of the hall to the newest at the end of the hall.
Like this, he looked at every painting, all forty-nine of them. His scrutinizing gaze peering at every corner of the works of art and leaving no detail unnoticed.
Time passed, and the people had started to leave for their homes. The foreign man remained as one of the few remaining in the hall.
He was gazing at an exquisite painting of the view of the wide ocean when the sun was going behind the horizon.
This, was the forty-ninth painting.
Not long after, he withdrew his gaze. His expression was like a person who had made a discovery.
Towards his left was a door that had been left slightly ajar. From behind this door came the faintest sounds of noisy cans.
Instantly, he walked towards this door and entered the room. There, he saw a maiden even lovelier than a painting.
“Excuse me.” The foreign man said as he removed his hat.
“Are you the painter?” He queried.
“Yes, I am. How can I help you?” The painter dropped her paintbrush and asked with a smile.
“Y-yes. I come here with a question.” He was a little flustered but managed to regained his composure.
“Oh? Ask me then. I shall try my best to answer.” The painted turned to face him completely, then offered him a seat.
“Thank you.” He said, taking a seat.
“You are welcome.” The painter was polite as well. Her smile, as the man had noticed, never once fading.
“My lady, first allow me to say, your paintings are the most amazing works of arts I have ever seen. To be able to admire them all, it has been my honour.” The foreign man praised her earnestly.
“Thank you sir. You are too kind.” The painted replied.
“My lady, your paintings are wondrous, but I couldn't help but notice a concerning matter. And that is, your paintings have lost their cheer. Works of art reflect their creator's soul, so may I ask why you are unhappy?”
The painter was surprised. She looked at the man incredulously, as never once had this question been asked. In response, she said:
“Sir, whatever do you mean? Of course, I'm happy. There is no reason to be sad. A miserable person would not smile as I am doing.”
The painter regained her composure. She smiled at the foreign man in a manner that he thought unnatural.
“I ask because I sense sadness from your paintings. The colours you use are no longer vibrant. The clouds are turning gray and the skies are stormy.”
Hearing the foreigner say this put the painter in a daze and caused her smile to falter. A light flashed across her eyes and she said to him in a soft voice.
“This is the first I have been asked this question. Who in the seven seas does not know my kingdom is one filled with joy and happiness? Here it is unnatural to be unhappy, yet you asked.”
“Yes. I know this. But it is not unnatural to feel sadness or any other emotion as it is a part of our nature. If you think not, how then do you explain the feeling you have when you drop the last available piece of your favourite dessert on the ground? Or when you fall and sustain injuries that cause you pain? How about when you experience the passing of a loved one? Would you say you were happy in these situations? I could give a few more instances and let you judge.”
The painter stared quietly at the man before shaking her head in disagreement.
“I would not be happy in those situations, but I have been taught from a small age to wear a smile on my face and to be joyous no matter what. Is this wrong?”
The man shook his head.
“No. It is not wrong to smile when happy, but to laugh in times of sadness, anger, or pain is. When you bottle your emotions and force them down, there would come a day when the bottle reaches its limit. Then you will be overwhelmed by the raging waves of emotions and become distressed.”
“I see.”
“Now that you understand, can you tell me the reason for your low spirits?”
The painter nodded and turned to look at her unfinished painting. She then began to speak in a voice, the least bit cheerful.
“For years, I have made paintings that brought people joy and caused them to be enthralled. These paintings of mine have brought more happiness to the people and for this, I am proud. Unfortunately, the reason I decided to paint is dying. By the time I finish this painting, my mother will be gone.”
The painter paused at this point. Once again, her lips spread into a smile, but it was bitter.
“In the times when I was a little girl, my mother and I were commoners who lived alone. My father had passed early, lost in an accident at sea. My mother once said to me, “child, one day, I hope we can leave this place and travel across the seas. I hope we can visit new kingdoms and meet new people.”
At the time, I was confused. Why would you want to leave? This place is wonderful. This, I questioned myself. But as I looked at her longing gaze trained in the direction of the sea, I remained quiet. It was then I decided to make her a present. It was my first painting. A fantastical and imaginative view of a different kingdom and its people. My mother adored that painting. She was only short of setting an altar to worship it. It was then I decided to make more paintings for my number one fan.”
The man was touched by such a tale. A tale of a child who wanted to fulfil her mother's dream.
The painter turned away from her paintings and looked at the man. She then continued.
“Although, I didn't understand why my mother wanted to leave, I came to understand as I grew older. This kingdom is the most peaceful and harmonious in the region. The people wear smiles on their faces and always have a kind word or two. Yet, in a kingdom so serene and not torn by war, why are our numbers the fewest? I came to notice that underneath those smiles and facades of happiness are other emotions that have been locked away and tossed aside into a corner of the heart. But every bottle has its limit and once the threshold is reached, the negative feelings that had once been trapped, would rush out like a tide and overwhelm the mind. It is unclear to me why we only ever allow ourselves the feelings of happiness, but it has been this way for generations and the people, myself included, have gotten used to it. Still, being used to ignoring other emotions does not mean we can withstand the waves of emotions released all at once. Most people are not strong enough, so they decide to end their pain. Like my father.”
"Your father?” The foreign man quietly asked.
“Yes. He did not die in an accident like my mother had said. At least not in the accident that took his hands away. My father was overrun by grief, you see. He could not accept that he had become a cripple, so he drowned himself in the harbour. When they found him, he still had his lips spread in a smile. It was plastered on his face. Even until death, my father feigned happiness."
The room was silent and sombre. This tale astonished the northern man. He had never imagined there to be people who smiled even if they were sad and broken.
'This is unnatural.' He thought.
The painter sat in her chair with her eyes flowing with emotion. Two streaks of liquid flowed uncontrollably from her eyes. The painter was weeping, heartbreakingly so. Even still, she tried to stretch her lips to a smile.
The foreigner was depressed as well. His heart was heavy with emotion, and he felt for the painter and the people of this kingdom. The happiest kingdom in all the seven seas was in reality the unhappiest of all.
The foreigner stood from his chair and went up to the painter. He held her hands in comfort as he said:
“You are a wonderful person who deserves to be happy. But do not force yourself to be joyous even when you are not, for that would be a matter of the greatest distress. There is no shame in feeling sadness. Because eventually, by letting your emotions out, the dark clouds will pass, and the sky shall once more be brightened.”
The man wiped the tears from her face. She was heavy with emotion. All the emotions she had kept locked up in her heart.
“My lady, you made paintings, so your mother could see a different world as she wished. This is worthy of admiration. Do you want to come with me? Your mother included. We shall find the best doctor to cure her illness and let her fulfil her dreams.”
The painter looked at the person before her. She then smiled a genuine smile and said to the foreigner:
“Yes, I will. But first, I must finish this painting.”
“Very well.”
In the days that came, the painter and the foreigner spent their time together. They would shop together and sing folk songs in the town square.
Marabel's mother had met with Victor and thought him a fine man for her daughter to wed. Though the painter denied and insisted their relationship was none of the sort, the two could do nothing to stop their cheeks from turning red.
Her mother was delighted by the news of their voyage, and she agreed in a heartbeat.
Soon, the three boarded a ship and sailed away from the kingdom. They went on many adventures and lived a truly happy life.
But before they left, the painter gave her home a parting gift. It was her fiftieth painting. Her finest one yet because to the painter, it represented the beginning of an end while to the people, this painting gave them the gift of sight.
With this, they would be enlightened and be free to express themselves however they felt. No longer would they have to hide their pains behind a smiling facade.
The people of this kingdom would finally learn to be truly happy by letting go of their sorrows.
•This is a tale of Smiling Depression.
© All Rights Reserved
© Dieko
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