The Many-Eyed Pine

    By Andy Bandoles

    The Many-Eyed Pine cover image

    12 Jul, 2024

    a woman sitting at a table reading a book and drinking coffee in a room with potted plants and a window, F. Scott Hess, american scene painting, an ultrafine detailed painting, high detail illustration

    One day, Mother was reading her book when she realized she misplaced her eyeglasses. She asked her daughter, Pine, to find them for her.

    a painting of a woman sitting at a table with a cup of coffee in front of her and a potted plant in the background, Eva Gonzalès, american scene painting, a character portrait, highly detailed digital painting

    Without looking, Pine replied, 'I can't find it.' Her mother sighed and found the glasses herself. The next day, the same thing happened with her pen.

    a woman in a kitchen preparing food on a counter top with a potted plant in the background and a window, Elinor Proby Adams, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, high detail illustration

    Mother, frustrated with Pine's lack of effort, said, 'You always say you can't find things without even looking. I wish you had so many eyes that you could see everything.'

    Painting your imagination...

    Pine didn't say anything. She just looked at her mother, her eyes filled with a strange determination.

    a woman with glasses standing in front of a house with a forest in the background and a pine tree, Ada Gladys Killins, serial art, a character portrait, character portrait

    The next day, Mother couldn't find Pine anywhere in the house. She called out her name, checked in every room, but Pine was nowhere to be found.

    a woman with glasses sitting in front of a window next to a potted plant and a potted plant, Elisabeth Collins, american scene painting, a character portrait, high detail illustration

    Mother was starting to panic. She ran outside to look in the garden, hoping Pine might be there.

    a woman with a crown of fruit on her head standing in front of pineapples and pineapples, Chris LaBrooy, maximalism, a character portrait, highly detailed digital painting

    In the garden, Mother saw a pineapple fruit for the first time. Its many 'eyes' seemed to be staring back at her, reminding her of Pine.

    a woman with glasses and a pineapple on her head is standing in front of a pineapple field, Chris LaBrooy, fantastic realism, a character portrait, highly detailed digital painting

    She gasped, 'Could this be Pine?' she wondered. The pineapple, in response, shivered slightly. It was Pine, transformed into a fruit with many eyes.

    a woman holding a pineapple in a field of pineapples with clouds in the background and a sky with clouds, F Scott Hess, symbolism, a character portrait, high detail illustration

    'Oh, Pine! I didn't mean it literally!' Mother cried. She promised Pine to find a way to turn her back into a human.

    a woman with glasses is holding a book and a pen in her hand and is standing in front of a field of flowers, Andrea Kowch, academic art, a character portrait, high detail illustration

    Mother started researching about magical transformations. She read books, spoke to wise elders, and even visited a known wizard in the town.

    a woman holding a pineapple in a kitchen next to a window with a potted plant in it, Ada Gladys Killins, serial art, a character portrait, high detail illustration

    After days of effort, Mother finally found a solution. She recited a special incantation and Pine transformed back into a human.

    Painting your imagination...

    Pine, back in her human form, promised to be more helpful. And Mother learned to be careful with her words. From then on, their life was filled with more understanding and love.