The Teller of Small Fortunes

by Julie Leong

Aye, our lives are short and shaped by circumstance, and maybe we can’t control most of what’s to come. But we can control how we feel. We can savor the sweetness of a blackberry scone, and the company of our friends, and the warmth of the summer wind at night, and be grateful for it. We can be nothing, and choose to be miserable about it, like you—or we can be nothing, but choose to be happy, and let that be purpose enough. Which sounds more worthwhile to you?”

You’re a great deal of fun to be around, but I have no idea what’s underneath it all.” Kina regarded him with exasperation. “People aren’t like that, Silt, not really. We’re not always cheerful and funny. We’ve sadness, and anxiety, and all these other bitter things wrapped up inside, too, and that’s what makes the sweetness all the sweeter.

“You’ve followed me around and carried my things and flirted with me endlessly since the day I joined you, but you’ve not once asked me anything about myself, nor told me anything true, either. What you hope for in life; what you worry about at night; what makes you who you are.”

Tao let out one long, shuddering breath, and it was as if something dark and poisonous within her had been lanced; the pain that she had slowly numbed herself to over so many years poured back in even as it flowed out of her.

One could choose to be nothing, or one could choose to be happy.