The Magic Puzzle

The Magic Puzzle 2 

It was 1965, and I was a young man looking for something to do while I waited for my wife and children to return home from visiting their friends in Florida. It was December and it was cold. I put on my coat, gloves, and hat and ventured to my car which was parked outside of my house. I was anxious to get something to do for the evening because my family would not return for a few days. 

I got in the car and travelled towards town. It was not a long trip, but it began to snow harder than earlier that day. The snow blew fiercely across the road as I navigated the road the best way that I could under the circumstances. The car slid sideways on the slick road surface, and I was white knuckling it all the way to the Woolworth’s department store in Cincinatti, Ohio. Now, I was getting scared. How could I make it home with this blowing snow accumulating so rapidly with my tires in such a mediocre shape? I pressed onward. 

I made it to the store without any mishap and went in to see what I could find for amusement. There were newer television sets. That is a purchase I would have saved for my wife and me. Besides, all I had was a few dollars in my pocket. I didn't have credit yet. 

I saw plenty of games in the toy section, but most of them required several players and I was alone for the weekend. I saw cards. Then I remembered that I had a bit of a gambling problem and decided that it would be best to leave the cards for someone else. 

I wandered around the store. I did not have any ideas. Then, I spied a puzzle that depicted a palatial mountain scene in Fance. It was a beautifully attractive picture of pleasant mountains across a spectacular valley, with the sun setting and birds and other animals enjoying what remained of the sun. The puzzle mesmerized me for several moments, and then I made the decision to purchase it. It was not that expensive. I had just enough money saved for the puzzle. 

I grabbed the puzzle and looked at it closely. I could see myself here, I said aloud.  

This is where I want to be! I continued. 

Just as I was thinking about this wonderful place that was in the French Alps, a salesperson came by to talk with me. “Can I wrap this up for you? A present perhaps?” 

“Oh no," I said. “That will not be necessary. It is for me.”  

“This is a very special puzzle!” The sales associate said. “One of a kind! I know you will enjoy it sir. It is full of magic! Isn’t it?” 

“Oh yes,” I responded. I think it will give me many hours of pleasure while I wait for my family to return from Florida. 

“Florida!” Now that is the place to be on a night like tonight. Burr!” she said emphatically. 

And so, I purchased the gift for myself and moseyed down the road slowly braving the tough vicious storm which made the ride home even more freighting than before. 

When I got home and took off my winter gear. I was amazed that the house was so picked up and clean. I promptly had dinner, made my coffee, and got into my sleeping clothes. Then, I remembered the puzzle and decided to begin my fantasy journey to Europe. 

I dumped the pieces of the puzzle onto the kitchen table, and piece by piece I began to put the puzzle together. As I created the image, it became apparent that the illustration was becoming an image of my own kitchen where I was creating the depiction. How strange, I thought. I continued to put the pieces together, developing the picture piece by piece – I became obsessed.  

As the picture became more apparent, I realized that there were images developing of people in my kitchen. It was the image of my parents, back when my father was alive and well. I diligently worked to complete the puzzle one piece at a time. My hours passed gently, as my obsession with completing the puzzle did not evade me. I persisted. I must find out what is happening, I thought to myself, I must! 

The puzzle was beginning to reveal the image of my dad when he was young and strong. There in the picture he stood with my mother. They were hugging. They were happy. 

The puzzle was 80 percent complete, and I was astonished. This was a magical puzzle. I continued to put it together feverishly. As the image began to reveal my parent's entire body, I began to tear up. 

Ninety percent complete. And as I became ninety five percent done with the puzzle, the room began to change. I continued though. I wanted to finish what I had started. At ninety eight percent the room began to spin even faster. Ninety nine percent! Then the last piece. Was this magic puzzle bringing my dad back? I did not look up as I was obsessed with the image. Last piece. 

As I placed the last piece the room disappeared into a dream. There standing in front of me were my parents! They smiled at me. 

“You're done!” My father said smiling. “You have been working extremely hard. The psychological labyrinth that you have been travelling in is complete. You are at the end of one story and at the beginning of a new one. You no longer must struggle. Go now and be happy!” 

The room suddenly became clearer and was returning to normal. A brief visit was not enough, and I became stressed. “Wait, don’t go!” I yelled outload in my kitchen. 

“Go back now. Go back and live!” my mother said. “Stand for yourself and your family! Go!” 

And as soon as she said go, the kitchen began to return, the room continued to spin fast. My father had returned for a moment, and he was alive and healthy. 

I collapsed in my kitchen chair exhausted from the experience, looked around and down at the puzzle which was of the beautiful mountain scene. My parents were gone. 

My parents were gone and nowhere to be found. Was I dreaming? Such a simple message! 

Live now, Live well. Help your family. Be happy and healthy. 

I promised myself that I would take heed to that message from that day onward. 

Neil Silverman 

2.27.2024