In a small village placed between two mountains, there was this ancient old tree called the Willow Tree. No one knew who planted it, but it was always there for ages, covering the land. The villagers believed that the tree had a secret-it had an habit of whispering the truth, but only to those who really listened.
Tara, a cute, chubby 12-year-old girl with a curious mind, was always the one to seek out questions. She loved learning about everything around her, but she was never patient. She often spoke before thinking and acted impulsive.
One day, after a big fight with her best friend, Tara ran into the woods, tears streaming down her face. She found her usual spot beneath the Willow Tree, hoping for some quiet and peace. As she sat there and cried her heart out she heard a voice whispering “To hear others, you must learn to listen”. Tara looked around, scared and startled but there was no one there. Just the tree, standing silent and wise. Curious, she came back the next day. And the next. And the next. Every time she sat quietly beneath the tree, listening sharply. The tree spoke to her in quiet, subtle ways:
“Kindness doesn’t need to be loud.”
“Patience creates connections.”
“Truth doesn’t shout; it stays quiet.”
As days turned into weeks, Tara began to change. She started speaking less and listening more. She realized her friend was hurt too. So, Tara apologized, and soon enough, their arguments turned into laughter.
As Tara grew older, she became known as a storyteller she shared the simple, powerful lessons she had learned from the Willow Tree. The Willow Tree still stood tall, continuing to share its wisdom with anyone who would listen not with their ears, but with their hearts.
April, 2025
