Little Bird

A bird lies grounded by the fate of the vengeful wind. A wayward breeze blew her into the tree and she fell to the ground. The gorgeous bird is forced to walk instead of soaring with the eagles. Her wings may be broken, but her spirit is unwavering.

A man walking by spots the injured bird beside the tree. The bird is familiar to him as he walks by daily and sees her each day. He kneels beside her and gently cups the tiny bird in his hands. She is rather timid at first, but the bird goes with him willingly. The kind man brings the bird back to his home.

At his home, the man nurses the bird back to health as her wings mend themselves. She develops a bond with her newly found caretaker. The tiny bird has never experienced such kindness before. Why would anyone choose to go out of their way for a little bird like her?

Two or three weeks pass by and the two become closer and closer. He has become her wings but now her own are mended. The man lets out a brief, heavy sigh, but he knows the time has come. He opens the door and takes the bird with him on his daily walk. He cannot help but to let out another sigh, but this is one of relief. She does not go anywhere.

The two walk along and pass the tree where they met. She enjoys basking in the sunlight and feeling the breeze across her feathers. She is free to leave, but she cannot help but want to stay with the kind man. Occasionally she will leave him to stretch her wings, but the man trusts she will return.

Years continue to pass by and the two age together in his house. He loves and trusts her so much that she is free to come and go as she pleases. The tiny bird always comes back to him and they relish their walks together.

One day a passerby asks the old man about his odd company. The man replies that if you love something, you must set it free and trust it to return. If it comes back to you, then you have not trusted in vain.

The passerby is satisfied with his response and bids the two a fond farewell. The two resume their leisurely stroll.