Felicity – A Philosophical Fable [Chapter 20]
Stewardship was an honor bestowed only upon the best of scholars. Stewards created the universal prosperity. They protected everyone from natural disasters. They kept at bay the tigers that roamed the outer region. These feats could only be performed by the most learned men and women. Ryder always aspired to be one of them. He studied rigorously in the hope of earning a turn at stewardship. And all of his studying was rewarded. His opportunity had come.
Mimi was fascinated by Ryder’s explanation of stewardship. Tripp and Sunny listened with interest too, even though they already knew what stewardship was. They were just so proud of him.
As they sat on the sofas listening to Ryder, Fae and Wave joined them. Fae remained standing and addressed Ryder ceremoniously.
“While we painted pictures and wrote poems, you studied. While we danced and played together, you read. While we took our turns going to the Fair, you stayed home thinking about numbers. Formulas and molecules and numbers. You devoted yourself to knowledge and now you are a steward and you will use your knowledge for the well-being of all. For this, we celebrate you.”
When Fae finished speaking she bowed her head. So did the others. Mimi saw that the gesture was a sign of respect and she bowed her head too.
Then they lifted their heads and clapped loudly for Ryder. He smiled with humble pleasure as they applauded.
The celebration had begun.
Wave sat on the edge of a sofa and adjusted his djembe between his knees. When it was properly positioned he struck the drum, beating a rhythm with his hands. He varied the sound of his instrument, striking now the center, now the rim, using the palm of his hands, then just his fingertips. Bass tones alternating with sharp ones. Boom! Boom! Slap! Boom! He made the djembe talk.
As he increased the tempo, Fae added the sound of maracas to his rhythm. Cha-cha-cha! She shook the maracas. Cha-cha-cha! She danced to the rhythm.
Mimi and Ryder sprang to their feet and joined in the dance. So did Sunny and Tripp.
They danced with vigor. They danced with joy. Their feet answered to the call of Wave’s drum. The mood was festive. It was triumphant. And they bounced and swayed and spun.
They danced without rest and Wave’s beat never faltered. They never got weary or drowsy or spent. Except Mimi of course. She could never keep up. She always got tired and needed to sleep.
She went to the wall and slid open her door. Her body still moved to the music. She turned around once to look at the others. Fae with her maracas. Wave on the drum. Tripp and Sunny dancing to the beat.
Mimi yawned a deep yawn and the music throbbed on.
Ryder was nowhere in sight.