Felicity – A Philosophical Fable [Chapter 24]
Everyone noticed the change. Mimi had been spending more time among them and less time alone in her room. So Tripp was not really surprised when he saw her sitting on a sofa reading.
One time the others had come to him to ask about the change in Mimi. They asked if there was anything in the lore that might explain it, but Tripp knew little lore. Ryder might know. When he returned from stewardship they would ask him. But until then, it would remain a mystery. A happy mystery.
Mimi looked at Tripp and smiled when he sat down. He asked her what she was reading and she showed him the book. Life is a Dream. He read the title out loud, pondered it a moment, and pronounced it a profound poem.
Mimi opened the book to the first page and handed it to Tripp. He read silently. When he reached the bottom of the page he hesitated. Then he lifted the page and took a tentative peek at the other side. There was more text, so he turned the page and resumed reading.
As he was reading, Fae and Wave arrived. They waited until Tripp looked up from the book to speak.
Sunny was creating a mural and they were all going to view it together.
The mural began right where Tripp and Mimi were seated. It was less abstract than anything Sunny had ever painted. There were figures. The figures were abstract. Mere shapes. But they were still figures.
Tripp returned the book to Mimi. She laid it on a table. It didn’t matter where she left it. No matter where she left it, it was always nearby when she wanted it.
They all stood before Sunny’s painting. The flowing lines of the painting suggested movement. They all stood before it and admired the lines and colors and sense of motion. Then they followed the curve of the wall.
Mimi glanced backward. Her book was not on the table. She didn’t expect it to be.
The painted figures were repeated at regular intervals. Each time in different poses and different combinations. Each time suggesting different motions and evoking different emotions. Each scene was unique.
They walked on. Occasionally they paused to consider a scene or discuss some element of the mural. As they walked, Mimi’s music played, and they danced as they walked. They bounced along to the music and they listened to the poetry that was part of the music.
Mimi liked walking with them. She liked being with them and listening to them talk. It was pleasant. It felt good.
They walked for what seemed like a long time. Sometimes they ate as they walked. But no matter how long they walked they never caught up with Sunny. How far ahead was she?
Mimi wondered whether they would ever come to the end. Whether they would ever come full circle. She wondered if the wall and the mural painted upon it might go on and on without an end. But that couldn’t be. Surely they would catch up to Sunny eventually. Though she knew she would probably tire before that happened. Still she wondered.