THE JIGSAW PUZZLE.

 THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

James, the quiet one, was an introvert with unique qualities. He had good intuition, was sensitive to others' emotions, and was analytical and artistic. As an introvert, he often sought solace in pursuits that would occupy and relax his mind. Following the aristocratic tradition, his parents gifted him a box of magical jigsaw puzzles from the States. They hoped this puzzle would keep him engaged creatively and foster patience, concentration, and problem-solving skills.

 

One fine day, James opened his magical jigsaw puzzle box. He gathered all the wooden pieces on the floor of his room and shut out all distractions. He began arranging the pieces into some formation. Nothing was apparent initially, but James persisted, his anticipation and excitement growing. He decided to put all his creativity and logical reasoning to good use. And soon, slowly but surely, some form of pattern was emerging, a mystery waiting to be solved.

 

After working on it for an hour or so, James put the puzzle away and returned to it later. He decided to take a break for a quick bite. Refreshed and energised after his meal, James retreated to his room to solve this particularly engaging puzzle that was giving his brain a workout.

 

James finally had the eureka moment after devoting two more hours to the task. A distinct picture was emerging from the pieces. But wait, it was something in the likeness of his modular kitchen. James blinked his eyes to be sure. There was no mistake; it was his very own kitchen. But the formed picture threw up an entirely different and startling image.

 

He could make out the images of groups of people assembled in his kitchen. James was reminded of societies where people congregated in kitchens, staying, socialising and chatting. It was a houseful affair. His kitchen was meant for food preparation, cooking and washing dishes. But the puzzle revealed another disturbing image: his kitchen was infested with pests. The kitchen could not keep the pests at bay. The pests were slowly eating away at the woodwork of his kitchen, starkly contrasting with the cheerful guests and signalling the urgent need for some effective pest control measures.

 

James marvelled at what English teacher John Spilsbury had invented many years ago. He gave the world the jigsaw puzzle. After working on this particular magical jigsaw, James realised that his kitchen had many anomalies. It was hosting kind guests as well as pests. The behaviour of the pests negated the mystical atmosphere created by the cheerful guests. Taking stock of the image the puzzle revealed, James decided to do something about it but did not know how to go about it.

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