Live, but for love

World War II had ended, yet its aftermath lingered; people had not yet recovered from the shock. Entire families had been wiped out, and many had lost everything—their loved ones and all their possessions. Amidst such circumstances, people became each other's support system; with entire families gone, the few survivors wandered about—wounded and utterly helpless. In those times, no one spoke ill of others, nor did anyone blame others for their own suffering. It was during this period that Smith lost his entire family—his wife, daughter, son, and mother had all perished in the war, leaving him completely alone.

A solitary individual

Smith would wander the streets in a state of perpetual melancholy, occasionally offering quiet acts of assistance to others; yet, the sadness etched upon his face only seemed to deepen. He would reminisce about his happy married life and the beautiful moments spent with his mother, only to sink further into gloom. Observing the pervasive melancholy around him, the solemnity of his expression would intensify. One day, as he stood silent and dejected before a desolate building, a disheveled painter approached him and asked to paint his portrait. Smith had no interest in the portrait, but the wretched man had come driven by the simple desire for a single meal, offering to paint Smith’s likeness in exchange for food. Smith was utterly bewildered; he could scarcely comprehend that such a valuable art form had been reduced to a mere commodity to be traded for a single meal. Yet, he remained silent and gestured to the painter to create a painting, promising him a meal in return; for while Smith possessed wealth, he had no family with whom to share it. As the painter worked, Smith’s mind was initially blank, but he gradually began to observe the artist closely. He realized the man was in a wretched state—lacking proper clothing and even shoes. Moved by this, Smith reflected on his own situation; setting his personal grief aside, he resolved to help others. Once the painting was finished, he took the painter to a nearby eatery, treated him to a hearty meal, and bought him new shoes and a complete set of clothes. He then asked if there was anything else he needed. The painter, however, was a man of self-respect; he declined to mention any further needs, preferring instead to earn his keep through honest labor. Yet, a new purpose had taken root in Smith: he would live to make life easier for others. He began looking around for those in distress—victims of misfortune—and would step forward to assist them in any way possible. Eventually, a time came when Smith’s own sorrow began to feel less burdensome, as he became increasingly absorbed in the service of others.

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