Leela’s birthday was coming up, and Bizah decided to make her a hat – with his very own hands –with the help of a pattern he bought at the materials and sewing needs store, of course.
He left himself plenty of time to complete it: two weeks.
When he told Akina what he was planning for Leela’s gift, Akina asked, “Bizah, have you ever sewn anything from a pattern before?”
“Actually no,” responded Bizah.
“Bizah, for goodness sake, why did you start with a hat?” said Akina. “Didn’t you know that a hat is one of the most difficult things to make?”
“Really?” responded Bizah. “But a hat is so small.”
At that response, all Akina could do was wave a gentle “good luck” goodbye.
Two weeks later at Leela’s birthday party, Bizah proudly presented her with his gift. It was wrapped in magenta satin material and tied with the same color ribbon.
Leela received the package from Bizah with both arms and hands outstretched – as if she were receiving the crown jewels. Opening her gift slowly and respectfully, she uttered a gasp of both surprise and delight. Removing the hat from the wrapping, she put it on her head.
“Oh, Bizah, this is the most beautiful hat I have ever seen!” she exclaimed.
“And so becoming on you, Leela,” said Bizah, feeling quite puffed up because he had such an eye for style.
“Oh, look,” exclaimed Leela, “you even embroidered my name inside it.”
“That’s because I don’t want you to lose it, Leela. It’s a one and only.”
Bizah’s gift was the talk of the party. His friends came up to ask if he would make them hats as well.
Bizah kept shaking his head. When the requests persisted, he felt he was forced to make his point emphatically. “Didn’t you hear what I told Leela? That hat is a one and only.”
Just then, Akina caught Bizah’s eye and gave him a knowing giggle.
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Seems like Bizah shouldn't be so stingy. If he only makes one hat, well, what's the point of that? Does it increase the value of the hat,like a rare baseball card? Maybe he doesn't have alot of time for making hats for his friends; maybe he just doesn't feeeeel like making more hats. I wouldn't put it past him. But... what's more important than making hats? And who's a better recipient for a great hat than a friend: A good friend is hard to find.
But Bizah seems so wise in other stories, I mean, at least he is asking the right questions, or the right kinds of questions.
This reminds me of the parable of the talents. I think of that story alot. That is, I used to think of that story alot, and I do now again, recently. If you just hide what you are entrusted to so that nobody steals it.... hoarding it like the miser card, the five"? of pentacles.. the master gets mad. I think he'd give that steward something other than a knowing giggle. At least a chastisement. That's the way it went.