Living as a Shadow

A submission for the weekly short-short note project

[Foreword]

Behind the scenes of a glamorous world,
there may always be someone supporting it as a "shadow."
This story is a small, secret tale about a world-famous calligrapher
and an otter who lives as his shadow.
A little chuckle, a little food for thought,
and a feeling of lightness at the end—
I hope you enjoy that kind of aftertaste.

[Main Text]

Living as a Shadow

The world-famous calligrapher, Kiryuin, was at his solo exhibition.
Kiryuin's books were piled high, and signed copies were selling one after another.

"Sensei, the characters you write have a brush strength that doesn't seem human. It's magnificent."

While breaking into a cold sweat on his back, Kiryuin replied,
"I write with my heart, so it turns out like that every time."

He had gained fame. However, Kiryuin always lived with a "shadow."

When he returned to his home study, the otter playing in the inner garden called out to him.

"Sensei, did today's exhibition go well?"

"Oh, it was alright."

"Oh my, you don't sound very energetic."

"I always feel guilty that the characters I actually write aren't the ones being praised.
I always think I should just quit.
But I can't just step down on my own; the entanglements are binding me."

"Why don't you announce them as 'Otter Calligraphy'? You'd feel much better."

"I... I can't... do that..."

"See, you can't. It's fine, I'll live as a shadow.
Now, there's no time until the next exhibition."

"Uh... well... I guess I'll try... sigh..."

The End.

[Afterword]

Kiryuin and the otter.
The "public face" praised at a glamorous solo exhibition, and the "shadow presence" that quietly supports the talent.
I believe that if either were missing, the work would not be born.

When living, I sometimes wonder if it is okay to be a shadow, but there is surely a beauty that is born precisely because one is a shadow.
I wrote this with that feeling in mind.
May a small light be lit in your heart as well, you who have read this.
*This story is a work of fiction.

I wrote this for the weekly short-short note prompt.
Thank you for the prompt.