It was like a switch had flipped inside him. Pantaleon became serious, withdrawn, and almost emotionless. His jokes dried up, and he seemed to lose all interest in life. I tried to talk to him about it, but he just brushed me off, saying he was "fine."
I didn't believe him, of course. I knew Pantaleon better than that. He was hurting, and I wanted to help him. So I came up with a plan.
I was starting to get desperate. Pantaleon was my best friend, and I couldn't stand to see him like this. I had to do something.
So I decided to tell him the truth. I told him that I knew he was hurting, and that I wanted to help. I told him that I missed the old Pantaleon, the one who could always make me laugh.
At first, Pantaleon just stared at me. But then, slowly, a smile crept across his face. "You're right," he said. "I need to laugh again."
And so, we started laughing. We laughed about the time Pantaleon tripped and fell into a mud puddle. We laughed about the time he accidentally called his boss "Dad." We laughed until our sides hurt.
As we laughed, I could feel the old Pantaleon coming back. The spark was still there, it just needed to be reignited.
I'm so glad that I didn't give up on Pantaleon. He's my best friend, and I love him. I'm just grateful that he's back, and that he's laughing again.
So if you're ever feeling down, remember the story of Pantaleon Fix. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, laughter can always be found.
And if you're ever lucky enough to meet Pantaleon, be sure to tell him a joke. He'll appreciate it.