“There ain’t no sky today,” the tiny clown sniffled, gazing up at his ceiling. He’s locked himself in his room for days now, just moping. “There ain’t no sky, and there ain’t no point anymore…”

His walls were lined with portraits of much more successful clowns than himself. They were his heroes. Amongst the portraits hung his own degree awarded to ‘Bonzo the Clown’ for graduating clown college. It was his biggest achievement, but it had gone to waste.

“A clown fired for being too lame. What a joke, and I’m the unfunny punchline…” He wallowed to himself, when his self-pitying was interrupted by a knock at the door. A visitor? He wasn’t used to those, especially after he had been let go.

“Go away, I’m not a clown anymore,” he whined, giving his nose a pathetic honk. The knocking at the door didn’t stop, causing the clown to groan. There was a pause followed by the sound of the door unlocking itself. They must have used the key under the doormat.

“Bonzo?” A voice rang out from across the hallway. He recognized the voice as none other than his own mother. When he didn’t answer, she passed through the doorway to find him wallowing in his own misery. “Oh, Bonzo honey, what’s the matter?”

“I’m an utter buffoon mama, I couldn’t even put a smile on the face of the silliest children,” Bonzo sniveled, wiping a tear from his cheek. She gave him a warm smile of sympathy.
“Oh Bonzo, you make me smile,” she cooed, scooping her son into her arms. Bonzo peered up at her feebly.
“That doesn’t count, mama.”
“Sure it does! Remember the time you and your sister were learning how to juggle? You dropped that apple right onto her head. The look on your face made me laugh harder than any professional clown ever has. You are a very silly clown, Bonzo,” she brushed a strand of curly pink hair out of his face. He was quiet for a moment, just processing her words.
“You really think so?” He squeaked, avoiding direct eye contact.
“I know so. You’ll always be the silliest clown I know. One day, others will see that too.”