Avisri Datta, a third grader, tells a short story that illustrates a moral lesson about jealousy, consequences, and redemption. Set in a magical garden where flowers spring to life, the tale underscores the outcomes of envy and the healing potential of forgiveness and empathy.
“What happened to Tina?”
“She died.”
“Oh, my how?”
“You know that, Rahul? Who comes every day?”
“Yes, that naughty boy?”
“He came in the morning and picked her up and threw her to the ground.”
“That is so hostile.”
This was the conversation that day between the beautiful flowers that bloomed in the garden, which was located next to Rahul’s house.
Rahul, a mischievous boy, was always jealous of the prettiest flower named Tina in the garden. He was jealous because he was not as good-looking as Tina. So one fine morning when he reached the garden, he plucked Tina from her tree and killed her immediately by throwing her on the ground.
Coming back to the discussion between the flowers…
“We must do something about it.” The king of flowers was speaking to the rest of the flowers.
“Yes, Your Highness, but what can we do?” asked the rest of the flowers.
“Well, we would…
The king, wise enough, chalked out a plan to teach Rahul a lesson. The next day, when Rahul entered the garden, he was attacked by the other flowers with their thorns. The attack was so violent that Rahul started to bleed.
“Please don’t hurt me, please.” Rahul pleaded.
“Will you ever harm the flowers?” The king roared.
“No, never shall I repeat it,” Rahul promised.
That way, Rahul was taught a lesson by the flowers, which made him change himself into a better person.
The moral of the story: Tit for tat. Love all and spread friendship.
