Percy is the filler piece of the puzzle.
The plain blue patch of sky that gets popped aside while all the other more striking pieces get matched up. Forgotten as colourful patches of grass with glints of wildlife are pieced together and trees are built from the trunk up to the tips of their autumn leaves.
Lying patiently, Percy waits on a quiet corner of the table, eager to be placed amongst the other pieces. He is lost under coffee cups and couch cushions.
The puzzle is never completed, but “will have to do,” as Percy is nowhere to be found.
Years later, Percy is plucked from his spot wedged between two floorboards. The puzzle he belonged to has already been discarded. No one remembers where Percy came from, or where he’s meant to go.
Percy is discarded, never completing anything or reaching his potential as part of the bigger picture. Percy the patient puzzle piece.
Words and art by Lisa Vertudaches
Lisa Vertudaches is an independent illustrator & animator, working from a studio in Adelaide, South Australia. Specialising in looping GIFs, Lisa really enjoys creating cute, silly and sometimes absurd animations and illustrations.
Tulpa Magazine 