Note: Inspired by a Tumblr post my friend sent me today. Remember that it's important to always be kind.
Date: Halloween 2024
"Come here, little one," Vincent said, pulling the crying child up, wiping a tear from his eye.
His gaze then turned to a bleeding wound on the child's head, to which he laid his hand upon, and in an instant, the blood disappeared and the wound cleared up.
"Is that better now?" Vincent asked, smiling as the crying finally stopped.
"Yeah!" the small child exclaimed, now smiling too. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome, I am glad."
A few seconds passed and the child's smile turned into a frown.
"Hey, I'm really sorry for laughing at your robes and black witch hat, mister," he confessed, bowing his head in shame. "You're actually really nice!"
"Do not worry, all is forgiven," Vincent assured him. "I am pleased to hear that you have learned your lesson."
He then reached down to pick up a bag of candy, handing it to the child.
"It must be time for you to head back to trick or treating, isn't it? Or home perhaps? It's getting quite late," the warlock told him.
"Oh, yeah I should! My mom's waiting for me," the child responded, who then started running.
He then stopped to turn back for a moment, looking at Vincent one final time.
"Thank you again!" he waved. "Happy Halloween!"
"Happy Halloween to you as well," Vincent smiled, waving back.
The child then turned around and began running again, with Vincent watching him until he finally faded from view.
"I don't know how you're always so kind," Asamad scoffed. "I'll be honest, it disgusts me at times."
Vincent's eyes widened before turning around to look at the demon.
"Excuse me?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Vincent, that child mocked you and you do not even care? You should have done something! Perhaps cast a spell, that would've taught him a good lesson!"
"Asamad, what is wrong with you!?" He then crossed his arms. "Casting a spell would not do any good. It would only strike fear into the heart of the child! It would've taught him that he was right to hate me and even others like me. Do you think I would ever want anyone to be afraid of me? Do you think I would ever harm a child? You may like that people fear you, but I do not. Besides, maybe that child I helped was taught to hate those who are different by his parents, and that is why he acted the way he did tonight. Though, now that child will live his life with a new mindset. He has learned not to judge others for their appearances, and that anyone can be a kind person that deserves to be respected no matter how they look due to my help. Is that not a good lesson?"
Asamad sighed.
"Fair enough," he said, rolling his eyes. "I just do not understand how you remain so loving and forgiving even when there's been so many people that have treated you so poorly. What if they reject your kindness and still treat you the same? You cannot just let them get away with it. I mean, haven't you ever thought about inflicting harm upon them in some way at least once in your life? If I were you, I'd be putting curses upon them left and right. It seems so easy for you to be so kind, gentle, and caring no matter what happens. I have to wonder, were you just born that way?"
It was now Vincent's turn to shut his eyes and take a deep breath.
"Do you really think this is easy?" he began. "Being kind is a lot more difficult than being rude. It takes so much strength to be kind. Yes, there have been times where I've wanted to take my anger out on people, times where I've had thoughts about inflicting harm upon those that have wronged me. However, I have refrained from doing so. Like I said, it will not solve any problems, it will only make their hate worse, and their fears grow. Asamad, you know that fear is my enemy and the enemy of so many others. But kindness? Kindness will unite us, it makes a positive difference. It will reach the hearts of so many, inspiring them to become better people. Forgiveness does not let people get away with their actions, rather, it helps us let go of anger, allowing us to move on with our lives and improve relationships. It heals us."
He then took Asamad's hand.
"I have forgiven you of your misdeeds, and you have done way worse than that child. That was an act of kindness. One of the many things about being a kind person is being able to see the potential for kindness in someone else. That's what I saw in you. I saw someone who, if given the right guidance, could be loving, caring, and gentle. And so today is yet another chance for me to teach you the importance of that. You have a lot to learn, though, you must listen. Even though I have never committed the evil crimes you have, I too am not perfect. I've wronged others at times. There's always room for improvement. Even though you need more improvement than I do, we both still need it. There's even been times recently where I have wanted to turn you away, to give up on you, but I did not. Even though I have been angry with you, I still want you on the side of good. I still want to help you. I care about you, and I know that caring is worth it. It's necessary, not for just you and me but for everyone. It brings happiness, love, and understanding, and that's what I want. That's what I need, what we all need."
The demon nodded and the warlock then smiled as he felt Asamad's hand travel to his shoulder.
"I understand where you're coming from, I really do," Vincent continued. "Sometimes people will reject kindness and choose hate anyways. However, it does not mean that it's not worth being kind. Choosing love is just as much possible as choosing hate. Even if someone has chosen hate before, it's never too late for them to choose kindness. That's something about kindness that I am really fond of, that it is a choice anyone can make. And I ask you on this Halloween night, is it a choice you will join me in making?"
The ghost could not help but smile too now.
"Yes," he responded. "I promise you that I will make that choice. I understand now why you always choose kindness. Thanks to you, I feel better now."
Vincent laid his hand on top of Asamad's.
"I am proud to hear that. Look at you. You have made an improvement already. Your words have made me feel better too. Finally, you see how strong kindness can be now."