doc,
Lets face it twice I have been torn between laughter and tears, darkness in the main tone of black prompted me to say I have chosen laughter and a sense of ying and yang, in other words to believe in the reality of life where shadows exist as a mystery or to balance lightness.
A guy I went to school with in Primary etc through to High School related how he frightened all sorts of terror one night after meeting, on the way home late in a forested area he slipped away and hid from me after a while calling in a strange voice my name this to my wife said after 70 yrs perhaps to make out I was flawed. No secret I was scared stiff.
Your pen does not have that effect I see a perfectly normal thespian meaning in the design intent that should invoke kind thoughts and appreciation to and from the receiver.
Thoughtfulness shared a sure recipe for contentment. my recent 78th anniversary allows me the privilige of hindsight, a memory to laugh at so many to cherish or dismiss along the way.
No greater pleasure than to plan and execute that plan for another. Lets hear the result of your labour.
Kind regards Peter.