The Sad Little Clown

William was a boy who had studied a lot at school and had passed to the next school year with honours.

Thus, his loving parents gave him a few days' vacation in a well-known beach town in that area.

Ecstatic, William packed his suitcase and together with his parents and little brother they went on their trip, on a very beautiful day.

Upon arriving just outside the city, they could already see that a circus was in town with its coloured lights, cages with beautiful wild animals, elegant horses and funny monkeys.

His eyes became wide with emotion as William heard his father promise that the next day they would watch the show.

The next day, at the appointed hour, they entered the circus and soon the spectacle began. Dancers, jugglers, magicians and trapeze artists alternated with clowns, monkeys, elephants, animal tamers and many other things.

With a packet of popcorn in his hands, William watched everything while laughing and clapping with joy.

Suddenly, he noticed one of the clowns making pirouettes and somersaults in the ring. Despite his smiley face, his eyes were sad. As William drew closer, he noticed that two tears were shining on his painted face. From that moment on, nothing more was amusing and the image of the sad clown did not leave his head.

The next morning he woke up, and instead of going to the beach, he returned to the circus. It looked quite different now. There were no more beautiful coloured lights and the impression of luxury and wealth had vanished entirely. Outside, some people cleaned the place while others washed and took care of the animals.

The boy asked where he could find the sad clown and was told that he was in the ring.

Entering the huge stage of the now vacant circus, William seemed to still hear the cheers and shouts of the audience.

Then he saw him. A small man sitting on the floor with his head in his hands.

- Hello! - said William.

The clown looked up at the unfamiliar voice.

- Hello! What brings you here, boy?

- Well, I wanted to see a clown up close.

- Ah! You will surely be disappointed. I'm just a man like any other.

William sat down next to him and said:

- Weird! I always thought that the clowns were always smiling and playing, as if life were a party - said the boy.

- Pure deception, son. We often laugh not to cry - he said sadly.

- Now I understand that. Just yesterday, during the show, I realised that you were sad. Why?

- Did you notice? ... The truth is that I have very serious problems.

And the clown told him that his daughter was sick and he did not have the money to take her to a doctor. Glad to help, William smiled and assured him:

- Well, do not worry! My father is a doctor and he can examine your daughter.

The boy ran away, and shortly after, returned with his father. The clown accompanied them to the sick kid and they were shocked by the misery of the place. The car in which they traveled and which served to them as their house was very poor and without comfort.

The doctor examined the child and told her father that she had pneumonia but was also malnourished and needed to eat better.

- I know, sir - said the clown - But I have no money. I earn very little and hardly make ends meet.

- Do not worry. Your little girl needs to be hospitalised but she'll be well soon, with God's help.

The doctor took the girl to the hospital, where soon she was medicated. Then he arranged a basket containing food that would last for many days and also gave the clown an envelope with a good amount of money.

Surprised, the poor man said:

- But, doctor, I do not know when I will be able to repay you!

- Do not worry. I just want you to make the kids smile.

After a few days the little girl got home happy and healthy.

Soon it was the last show of the circus in that town. They would pack up everything the next day. William and his family were in the front row.

The clown approached them, carrying in his hands a beautiful red balloon, tied with a cord. He walked up to William and handed him the balloon, with a happy smile.

- You’re no longer a sad little clown - the boy said.

- No. Thanks to you, I can smile again. I do not know how to thank you both for everything you've done for me.

The pleased doctor said:

- It’s easy. Put on a very joyful show to brighten the children’s day.

With one last grateful glance, the clown backed away with somersaults and clowning, accompanied by everyone's laughter. William sighed, satisfied. The father looked at the boy affectionately:

- Often, suffering and pain are where we least expect it, son. It takes sensitivity to find out where people's needs are. If it were not you, no one would have discovered the clown’s problem. Well done, William. Jesus is certainly very happy with you.

And embracing his son tenderly, he added: 

- The truth is that we can help someone wherever we are. All it takes is goodwill and love in our heart.  

AUNT CELIA

Translation:
Johnny Silveira / silveirajohnny@yahoo.com