Stories and Parables

Once upon a time, in the middle of the deepest ocean, far from the reach of humanity, is an island called Emotionisle. In that island lived all the feelings; Joy, Loneliness, Creativity, Vanity, Contentment, and all the others including Love.

One day, their leader sadly announced, “Please listen everyone. We are gathered here because of a disaster that is coming our way. Emotionisle is sinking, and it is happening too fast. We need to evacuate the island to save our lives.”

“Why is our island sinking?” some asked.

“It is because the island is too much burdened by the emotions of all the people in the world,” came the reply.

“Are you sure about this?” another inquired.

“Intelligence and Knowledge, together with Curiosity and Inquiry have been studying this for years. Their latest report says that the island is sinking at an average of five feet every minute. This means that tomorrow, even the peak of Mount Ecstasy will be submerged in the ocean,” the announcer explained.

“What shall we do?” the desperate voice of Fear trembled.

“I advise everyone not to panic. Let us all pack our things and leave this island. There is a bigger island north from here. It is called Pathos Island. We can all go there,” the leader said. “Now, let us move and save our lives.”

Everyone went home, packed their things, and prepared to leave the island.

Love was hesitant to leave the island. She loves it so much. All her life, she’s been on the island. She does not know how to live far from it. That is the reason why she did not build a boat for herself. Now, she has no choice; she has to leave the island.

Love began looking for someone to ask for help. Fortunately, Richness was passing by in a very big boat.

Love asked, “Richness, can I go with you in your boat?”

“I’m sorry, Love,” replied Richness, “My boat is filled with silver, gold, and precious stones. I’m afraid there is no room for you. You should have built your own boat.” Love almost failed to hear the last words because Richness’ boat is already far from where she was standing.

Love decided to ask Vanity who happens to be passing by in a fancy vessel. “Vanity, help me please,” Love pleaded.

Vanity quickly replied, “I’m sorry, Love. You are all too wet and dirty; you might damage my beautiful boat. Besides, you should have made a boat for yourself.” And continued leaving the island.

Next came Loneliness with his pale brown boat and a long face. “Hey, Loneliness. Can you take me on your boat?” Love asked.

“Will you please leave me alone?” Loneliness did not even bother to look up and see who is asking for help.

Then, Love saw Happiness. A very loud upbeat song comes from his boat. “Happiness, please save me,” Love said in a loud voice, but Happiness was so overjoyed that he did not hear Love’s plea.

When there's not a single boat in sight, Love began to cry. The island was sinking and all hopes of leaving the island was gone. She did not build a boat when everyone was constructing one, not because she was lazy, as many accused her, but because she loves the island so much. “I’m gonna die. I don’t want to die,” Love said to herself.

Just then, a deep voice said, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love looked up to see the owner of the voice. The voice came from an old man with very gentle eyes and a kind smile. His white beard is long and his physique seems strong.

Love gladly joined the old man. When they arrived at Pathos Island, she thanked the man. However, in her excitement, she forgot to ask his name. On the other hand, the old man seemed decided to live on the other side of the island because after helping Love get off his boat to join the other feelings, he went on his way.

Love asked Knowledge, “Who is the old man that helped me?”

“It was Time,” Knowledge confidently answered.

“But why did Time helped me when almost everyone blamed me for not making my own boat on Emotionisle?” Love asked.

Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom answered, “It is because only Time understands you, Love.”