Fable: The Golden Bird

In a valley hidden among the mountains lived a young bird named Ori. He dreamed of having golden feathers, just as the legends claimed the most beautiful birds possessed. Since childhood, he had heard stories that only those with perfect wings were worthy of soaring high and earning the admiration of others.

Ori spent his life trying to transform himself. He compared himself to other birds, examined every detail of their wings, and felt ashamed of his plain feathers. He always believed something was missing—that he needed to be better. Whenever he saw a bird with a long tail, he wished he had one too. Whenever he heard another sing with a beautiful melody, he felt inadequate.

One day, he heard of a magical lake atop the highest mountain. It was said that any bird who bathed in its waters would become perfect.

Determined, Ori convinced himself that he could only be happy once he achieved that ideal.

The climb was difficult.

Ori pushed himself beyond his limits, ignoring exhaustion and pain. His weary wings began to lose feathers. His body trembled, but he refused to stop.

After all, he had to become perfect.

At last, he reached the summit and found a crystal-clear lake. His reflection shimmered upon the water, and he noticed something strange:

There was not a single golden bird nearby.

Only fallen feathers scattered across the ground.

Just then, an owl landed beside him and said,

"Many have come here seeking to become something they are not. They wore themselves down so completely in pursuit of perfection that, in the end, they lost their wings."

Ori looked at himself.

His feathers had grown dull.

His wings had become weak.

He realized that, in trying to become perfect, he had nearly destroyed himself.

With a deep sigh, he stepped away from the lake.

He chose to descend the mountain and accept his feathers as they were.

For the first time, he spread his wings without carrying the weight of self-doubt in his heart.

And, to his surprise, he flew higher than ever before.

(All rights reserved. If shared, the author's name must be credited.)