The Fable of the Sad Dragon

A Short Story for Children and Adults of the Modern World

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By Isaac Coronel

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     There was a Water Dragoness, who was raised among the nobility. She was loved by everyone, for she acquired the necessary traits to represent a proper Dragoness: beautiful, intelligent in the arts and music, and healthily raised to be fertile for marriage at the appropriate time. She impressed everyone with her skills in music, using water to represent her music as images of art. Everyone loved her. But she did not love herself. When she married the Count of Eggress, who was a Fire Dragon, the Water Dragoness was often gloomy and sang many songs of despair. The Count did not understand her. “Dear Lady, you must ignore these feelings, for you are rich and talented among the lesser.”

     She could only respond, “I am of the nobility with humility, but in truth, I do not understand myself, nor my mind’s desires for sadness. I have sought happiness but cannot find it. To look for the sun on a cloudy day is useless when thunder and lightning hide a clear sky.”

     But the Count would not hear it. “Ignore whatever ails you, woman. You have been given more than a kingdom. Whatever is on your in mind must needs be ignored if we are to attain a good life. Think happy thoughts about your wondrous opportunities. And in time, you shall grow from this ungodly phase.”

     In time, the Water Dragoness learned to smile and be among the wealthiest of the world. She impressed the nations with her talents and blessings of music and art. Eventually, surviving labor, she gave birth to a beautiful child. Love and happiness were grandiose. So why was it that, one day, the Water Dragoness had killed herself?

     I tell you, she was as distraught as the day the Count ordered her to ignore her symptoms. We do not tell Dragons to ignore the pains of death when they are wounded, nor to tell a Dragon, who has lost their wings, that they should “just fly.” The Lachrimae of the Mind is just as ill-bearing as the poison of the Red Frogs of Tandrlas. Therefore, I urge you to treat the mind as the body, and to make others do the same.

 

For Children: It is not your fault, if you feel depressed or anxious for long periods of time. You are like someone who has a long flu. But we have not cured this yet. Be strong! Seek love and remedy in order to prolong your life. If one says to ignore what you feel, ignore them for they are an agent to your sickness. Find others like you, for together, you will be strong.

For Parents: Listen to your children, friends, family, and anyone who suffers from the sicknesses of the mind. Though you may not suffer from such issues, you do know what it is to suffer. Therefore, give support. Never tell anyone to ignore their depression or anxiety. It is as much as cutting off your hand and someone telling you to ignore the absence of your hand and grab the object in front of you.