The Summertime Mind

"Adulthood"

       Once upon a time, there lived a king in a far off land. He was a firm and practical king, always striving for efficiency. He was noted throughout the kingdom for his intelligence, and yet also his kind heart towards the people. His subjects adored him and in return, he let them roam about the kingdom indulging in creativity and whimsy. Such fun and free thinking never made much sense to the king and it was said that he never would have permitted this foolish amusement if not for his strong adoration of his lovely wife, the queen. The queen shared a common bond with the people, a love of playful entertainment and unrestrained happiness. With this imaginative mentality, the king often sought his wife's council on any number of subjects, earning her love from not only her husband, but the people as well. The kingdom was truly a prosperous place flowing with ideas and everyone within it, content.

       One dark and stormy day, word had begun to reach the people that the queen had been killed by a terrible beast only thought to have survived in legends. According to the tale, the beast, known by the name of 'age', stole it victim's hearts and open minds and condemned them to an afterlife of sophisticated misery. It was heartbreak to the loyal subjects and even more so to the king. Blindsided by grief and wanting nothing more than too rid himself of his wife's memory, the king immediately outlawed all fun, creativity and juvenile behavior. Unknowingly creating a dreary and unproductive era for which all of his subjects had to endure. His once free kingdom was replaced with laws and regulations and only contained the unhappiest of people. This dull new kingdom came to be known as 'Adulthood'.