Once upon a time, there was an island where all feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all others, including Love.
One day, the feelings were told the island would sink. Everyone built boats and left—except for Love. Love wanted to stay until the last moment.
As the island was nearly gone, Love asked for help.
Richness sailed by in a grand boat. "Richness, can you take me?" Love asked.
"No," said Richness. "My boat is full of gold and silver. There's no room for you."
Vanity passed in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I cannot," Vanity replied. "You are wet and might ruin my boat."
Sadness was nearby. "Sadness, may I go with you?"
"Oh, Love," said Sadness, "I am too sad to have company."
Happiness passed by, but she was so joyful she didn't even hear Love's call.
Suddenly, an elder spoke: "Come, Love. I will take you." Overjoyed, Love forgot to ask where they were going. Upon reaching dry land, the elder left.
Realizing the great debt owed, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "Why would Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom. "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."