The special bowl

Oren's stomach rumbled as he walked down the street. He was very hungry and had been for ages. Ahead was the Miamore Cafe, the most popular restaurant in town. As usual, the place was packed. People were standing in line waiting to get in. There stood his good friend Xyie, with his fiance in his arms. Soon they would be dining and having a wonderful time. Xyie waved politely and Oren returned the gesture. Oren stopped to look in the window. His mother and father were seated there. So were a number of other couples he knew. He could see his sisters heading for the door, looking stuffed.

Oh, how he wished he could join the happy crowd in this place. But this was a very exclusive restaurant, and entrance was by invitation only. With a sigh, he turned to head home to his burrow.

Then a familiar face peeked out of the restaurant door. It was the owner. His chestnut hair and beard framed a cheerful face. "Oren!" he called. "Come here!"

Oren complied, feeling a little confused. He knew the man, but never had done business with him. "What can I do for you, Sir?" he asked.

"You have never been in my establishment, and that's a shame. I made this place to be enjoyed. Please, come inside! You are my guest tonight!"

Oren couldn't have been more delighted. The owner showed him to his place. Before him, he set a beautiful bowl. On the front of the bowl was the face of an anteater- the most beautiful he'd ever seen- in glass relief. Next to the bowl was placed a silver spoon. "Eat!" said the owner. "Eat to your heart's content!"

Oren was confused. "But sir, there's no food in the bowl."

"Pretend there is food in it!"

So Oren sat there, pretending to eat from his beautiful bowl, his belly rumbling while all around him people stuffed themselves.

As he watched others eat, a peculiar sound came from the bowl. It sounded like crying. Indeed, a tear was forming upon the anteater's face. "Why do you cry?" asked the otter.

"Because I am empty." replied the bowl. "All of the other bowls and plates are laden with succulent entrees and sweet desserts. I can offer you nothing."

"You are wrong." said Oren. "For you are my bowl, even if you are empty. I shall simply enjoy your beauty." And he sat there with his beautiful bowl for the rest of the night, ignoring his empty belly.