Once upon a time, there was a family consisting of a father, a mother, and thousands of children and grandchildren. They lived in the Land of Twilight, a mysterious realm filled with anxiety, surrounded by dangers lurking in the darkness, and burdened by hopelessness with no apparent way out.

One day, while the father stood upon a cliff overlooking a deep abyss that marked the boundary of their land, he gazed into the mist before him. Suddenly, he noticed another land hidden not far away. He saw light shining there. He saw abundant crops and fertile fields. He saw lush green meadows and countless creatures living peacefully and happily.

The father began to think of a way to build a bridge that would allow everyone to cross over to that land. He invited all of his children to help him build it.

Some decided immediately. Some hesitated with doubt and uncertainty.

Among those who chose to participate were children who helped plan the project, children who designed it, children who gathered timber and prepared tools, children who contributed their strength and labor, and children who cooked meals for the workers.

As for the others, some watched from afar and offered encouragement. Some waited to see the results. Some argued that it could never be done—that it was too risky, too difficult.

Yet there were also some who not only refused to help but became obstacles. They secretly stole wood and construction materials for their own use, or spread discord among their brothers and sisters, causing division and conflict.

The father often warned his children:

“Come and build together. Merely bringing this bridge into existence is already difficult enough. We should not also have to spend our time solving problems caused by one another.”

He continued teaching and guiding them. However, when certain children remained stubborn and refused to understand, the father, who loved them dearly, found it necessary to discipline them and prevent them from continuing such actions.

For if he did not, it would mean that he did not truly love the rest of his children, allowing destruction and sabotage to prevent everyone from reaching peace and happiness should the bridge fail to be completed.

The father loved every one of his children equally.

Therefore, he was willing to let some of them feel hurt. He was willing to let them misunderstand him and believe that he was cruel. He was willing to let them resent him for the pain they experienced.

For he knew that when the bridge was finally completed, all of his children would cross it together.

He would not abandon even a single one of them.

Because this bridge was called “The Bridge of Love.”

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Happy Valentine’s Day

Ariya Metaya

14 February 2023

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Title: Buppharam (The Land of Peace)

Artist: Thatree Phokwanich

Size: 100 × 150 cm

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Price: 5xx,xxx Baht