A World Without You

In a world where arts are still underestimated, referred to as unnecessary, and a waste of opportunity in life, there are artists who are still pursuing their art-related courses to help in destigmatizing society's image about it and to prove its importance. Many families regardless of their nationality, are still shoving the idea that practicality over passion should be followed in order to be considered successful in life. This idea of discouraging young people can kill their interests in drawing, painting, and many more. Everything begins at home. It can even begin from someone you may know.

One sunny morning at a nursery school in the province, a young artist named Eli, is sitting under a tree. He is using a green crayon to make curves, while a zigzag way for the brown. While minding his own business, someone asked, "Is that a tree?" He turned his head towards a familiar voice. It was his friend, Nico.

"Yes, I have an extra paper, do you wanna draw with me?" He held his book, ready to rip one page.

"No, I'm good. Besides, I don't like drawing."

Eli turned to his coloring book again. He already expected that he would not like to draw. He is hoping that someday, it would spark him to try this hobby.

As the school bell rang, they all walked inside the school back to their respective classrooms. Once everyone settled down, Teacher Ella called their attention. "Children, all ears on me. Since February is coming, we'll be having a project. But first, does anyone know what is happening next month?"

No one raised their hands at the moment. Most seemed to have no idea except for Eli as he raises his hand. "Yes, Eli?"

"Teacher, isn't it National Arts Month?"

"Very good, Eli! February is art month, a month for celebrating arts and culture. This does not only apply for the Philippines, but all over the world." She picked up a blackboard marker and started writing. "Since our school also wants to celebrate art month, I'll be grouping everyone by pairs. Whoever is your seatmate, they will be your groupmate." Nico does not seem happy. On the good side, Eli is his only friend and someone he is comfortable to do group work with.

"You again?" he told Eli as he turned his head.

"What?" he raised his eyebrow as a response, "Nico, don't act like we have never been groupmates," crossing his elbows. They both stopped talking to one another until the school bell rang.
Later that afternoon the boys went home. The sunset was in a neutral tone of orange color, clouds covering the province, giving a little bit of prevention from a possible sunburn. While walking with their backpacks behind them, Eli thought of initiating a conversation after a pure silence at school, "So... what do you think our theme should be? We haven't decided anything yet." He did not respond. "Silence is ignorance if you know?"

"You're the artist not me, how would I know?"

"Nico, this is teamwork. One cannot fulfil a task without the other," Eli rolled his eyes, "Do you really don't like art at all? It would be nice if you give it a try."

"It's not that I don't like it. I just don't like hobbies. Nothing interesting even my parents would tell me drawing is a waste of time."

"Your interest doesn't have to be based on someone's preference in order to consider a hobby interesting," he directly told him. He later on thought of an idea as a proposal, "How about just give this a try then we'll get over it?"

It took a few minutes for him to respond while the leaves were slowly falling down from the trees. "Fine," he said, "Just this once."

As they arrived at Eli's house, they both started planning on the theme of their artwork. Nico was surprised when he brought out a whole art kit and organized it on the floor. They were sitting on the carpet. Words and chatting filled the atmosphere as they both suggested their preferred themes. Until they came up with an idea to combine their suggestions in one sentence with a riddle "A sphere with delightful vision while the other is wither." They laid one A3 sized paper and started coloring them with crayons. Eli picked up the ones that can lighten up the mood while Nico colored the areas where mystery is shown. From top to bottom, it worked well for both of them. He started noticing he has good choices on choosing colors that compliments the art.

On the day of the class presentations, both were nervous when it was their turn to show the work in front of the class. While presenting it, they discussed that if artists want to color the world with life, they must aspire first before they can inspire others. Each person in this world are crayons. It is a timeless role. Anyone can contribute to the changes happening around them and see what is best for the world they live in.

Ten years later.

Everything changed for Nico on that day. His love for art became stronger as he continued to discover his passion deeper in a way of finding his purpose in this world. He went back to the place where Eli drew in his sketchbook. Under the tree, he smelled the lilies first before leaving them properly. He continues to fulfil his promises for him everyday despite not having him by his side unlike before.

As he got home, he placed their artwork in a picture frame at the wall near his desk with the title "A world without you is a world without art."