In a small, peaceful village lived a boy named Tom. Tom was known for his adventurous spirit and wild imagination. He loved to dream about all the amazing things he could do and have. One day, while sitting by the river, he overheard an old man talking to a group of children.
“Do you know,” the old man said with a twinkle in his eye, “that there’s a magical well in the forest? They say it grants wishes.”
Tom’s eyes widened with excitement. He had heard many stories about the forest, but this one was new. As soon as the old man finished his tale, Tom decided he had to find that well.
The next morning, Tom packed a small bag with some food and water and set off into the forest. He walked for hours, the dense trees and chirping birds his only companions. Just when he was about to give up, he saw it—a well covered in moss, with a sign that read: “Make your wish, but be wise.”
Tom’s heart raced. He could wish for anything! Riches, power, fame. But what he really wanted was to be the strongest boy in the village. He leaned over the well and whispered, “I wish to be the strongest boy in the village.”
As soon as he made his wish, the ground shook and the air filled with a strange, humming sound. Tom felt a surge of energy course through his body. He clenched his fists and felt power like never before. Overjoyed, he ran back to the village to show everyone his newfound strength.
At first, everyone was amazed. Tom could lift heavy logs, run faster than anyone, and perform incredible feats of strength. But soon, his strength became a problem. He accidentally broke things, hurt people, and found it difficult to control his power. The villagers, once in awe, now kept their distance, fearful of his unpredictable strength.
One day, while sitting alone by the river, Tom’s friend Sarah approached him. “Tom,” she said gently, “you seem unhappy. What’s wrong?”
Tom sighed. “I wished to be the strongest boy in the village, but now I feel more alone than ever. I can’t control my strength, and everyone is afraid of me.”
Sarah sat beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “My grandma used to say, ‘Be careful what you wish for.’ Maybe you can find the well again and make things right.”
Determined, Tom thanked Sarah and set off for the forest once more. After hours of searching, he found the well again. He leaned over and said, “I wish to be normal again.”
The ground shook, and the humming sound returned. Tom felt the power leave his body, and he knew his wish had been granted. When he returned to the village, he found that people welcomed him back warmly. He was no longer the strongest, but he was happy and surrounded by friends.
From that day on, Tom remembered the old man’s story and Sarah’s advice. He learned that sometimes, it’s best to appreciate what you have and to be careful what you wish for.
by walking shadow poetry Kenya
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