The Lonely Octopus

    By Raquel Couto

    The Lonely Octopus cover image

    26 Aug, 2024

    a painting of an octopus in the ocean with corals and other marine life around it, with sunlight streaming through the water, psychedelic art, a digital painting, Dan Mumford, league of legends splash art

    In the heart of this vibrant world, lived an octopus named Oliver. Oliver was unlike any other creature in the ocean. He was able to change his colour from vibrant blue to briliant orange, and that was captivating and beautiful.

    an octopus is swimming in the ocean with corals and other marine life around it, with a bright blue sky, pop surrealism, an airbrush painting, Dan Mumford, league of legends splash art

    Despite his striking appearance, Oliver was a lonely octopus. He didn't have any friends. The other sea creatures kept their distance, a little afraid of his long, curling tentacles.

    an octopus and other sea animals swimming in the ocean with a sunbeam above it and a fish swimming below, psychedelic art, a detailed painting, Dan Mumford, highly detailed digital painting

    Every day, Oliver would watch the other sea creatures as they swam happily in groups, sharing stories and laughter. He longed to be a part of their world, to share in their camaraderie.

    an octopus and other sea animals in a cartoon style scene with a town and sea creatures in the background, pop surrealism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, octopus

    One day, a small seahorse named Sammy noticed Oliver's loneliness. Sammy was a friendly creature, always ready with a smile and a kind word.

    an octopus and fish swimming in a cave with a light coming from it's mouth and a fish swimming in the water, pop surrealism, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, octopus

    Sammy swam up to Oliver and asked him, 'Why are you always alone, Oliver? Don't you want to play with us?' Oliver hesitated, then replied, 'I want to, but everyone seems afraid of me.'

    an octopus and other sea animals in a cave with a light at the end of the tunnel illustration by alex krawc, pop surrealism, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, octopus

    Sammy chuckled, 'Oh Oliver, you just need to show them how kind you are! Come, let's play together.' With that, Sammy led Oliver towards the others, breaking the invisible barrier.

    an octopus is swimming in the ocean with fish and corals around it, and a fish is swimming in the water, pop surrealism, computer graphics, Chris LaBrooy, octopus

    Initially, the sea creatures were skeptical. But as they saw Oliver playing happily with Sammy, their fear began to fade. They realized that Oliver was just like them, desiring companionship.

    an octopus and other sea animals under the water with bubbles and bubbles on the bottom of the water,, pop surrealism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, league of legends splash art

    Days turned into weeks, and Oliver was no longer the lonely octopus. He had found friends in the ocean, who accepted him for who he was. His world was now filled with laughter and warmth.

    a painting of an octopus in the ocean with a cloudy sky behind it and a black background with white clouds, pop surrealism, a digital painting, Dan Mumford, lovecraftian

    One day, a terrible storm hit the ocean. The sea creatures were caught in the swirling currents, unable to find their way home. Fear gripped everyone, their joy replaced by panic.

    a cartoon seahorse standing on a wave in the ocean with a full moon in the background illustration by alex krawc, pop surrealism, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, dragon art

    Oliver, seeing his friends in danger, knew he had to do something. With his eight strong tentacles, he reached out, creating a lifeline for the sea creatures to hold on to.

    an octopus with blue eyes swimming in the ocean with corals and other marine life around it, with sunlight shining through the water, pop surrealism, computer graphics, Cliff Childs, octopus

    One by one, Oliver pulled his friends to safety. His tentacles, once feared, were now a beacon of hope, a symbol of friendship and courage.

    a painting of a seahorse under the water with a fish in its mouth and bubbles in the water, pop surrealism, an airbrush painting, Android Jones, highly detailed digital painting

    When the storm passed, Oliver was hailed as a hero. His friends thanked him for his bravery. 'You saved us, Oliver. We are lucky to have you as our friend,' said Sammy, gratitude in his eyes.

    a painting of a sea horse in the ocean with a sunbeam above it and a fish swimming below, pop surrealism, a detailed painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    From that day on, Oliver was no longer the lonely octopus. He was a cherished friend, a hero to all. His once lonely world was now filled with love, friendship, and respect.

    an octopus and other sea animals under the water illustration by alex krapfer for the children's book, the little mermaid, pop surrealism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, octopus

    Oliver learned a valuable lesson too. He realized that it's not about how you look on the outside, but who you are on the inside that truly counts. And that's the most beautiful thing of all.