Your story aroused many emotions in me. I felt aggravation towards the comedian and how his friend reacted towards him.
But before going into it, I must let you know, that I found the twist in the tale surprising and the ending depicted Rob already dead. A really successful finish! The fact that, after the curtain has fallen and the audience has left, the story doesn't continue, but that death really does stand here, irritated me a little and I had to read it twice until I understood it. Well done!
"I've rubbed shoulders with the best of the best; heck I've been showered with accolades myself. But what did I do to deserve them? I mean, what is a comedian's worth? Is it measured by an ability to elicit laughter from an audience?" He pauses momentarily. "I love bringing smiles to those around me; to see their eyes brighten up and their spirits rise. From the barely audible chuckle to the belting belly roar, I've told crackerjacks capable of bringing the house down. Being a part of all of that is special, but was I helping to make those people truly happy?"
"But what did I do to deserve them? I mean, what is a comedian's worth? Is it measured by an ability to elicit laughter from an audience?"
Put myself in the role of John, I would have liked to counter:
"Does the arrow ask whether he deserves to hit his target?
Isn't the noblest task to make oneself feel happy, even before anyone else? And isn't it enough that a hall full of people have appeared, ever so often? You minimise the specialness of what you were privileged to experience by seeking to expand your sphere of influence, as if that alone were not good enough. Don't mistake yourself for a saint, you never were, my friend. Weren't you filled with joy all the while your audience reflected their pleasure and amusement towards you? ... Would you want me to consider my work in this theatre as not good enough? How would you answer me, carrying on my shoulders all those out there who are not really happy?"
I think as a close associate of Rob's, I would have picked up on his self-doubt and confirmed him that he could do no more than he did and shared such fate with all men.
But then, I think Johns reply is more realistic and he actually did what I was wishing for, only with different expressions. lol
So, I want complimenting you, you've got me hooked!
Personally, I have never heard of this comedian, so I have no associations whatsoever towards this man.
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Edit: Ohhh... I followed the link of yours and now the penny falls. You talked about Robby Williams, the movie-actor! ... Actually I am glad, that I did not associate him immediately, so I was not biased.
Thank you for your engaging response. I actually love this line of yours ""Does the arrow ask whether he deserves to hit his target?" and it would have fit well. But I would have then left it at that as John is, in my perspective, an angel guide there to accompany and support him in his transient state between physical and spiritual life.
between the peas there are sometimes pearls. lol
The horses sometimes run away with me when a story takes hold of me. I am then in the middle of everything and want to have an influence; like I am also part of it. Since we've talked a few times now, I think you're taking it easy.
I think I understand how you wanted John to be a significant character for Rob.
haha ...perhaps indeed. I completely get you on this! I think it is why my engagements are often lengthy lol. I sometimes feel I should restrain myself though as the recipient may not be as open to my desire to be so invested in their project hee hee. I always welcome it myself though. I love the engagement and it is how I learn and improve my process and grow in turn💗I love the philosophizing, so keep bringing it. It's at once intellectually stimulating and filled with passion, wisdom and depth🙏