True Happiness

On a sturdy apple tree, a mother dove lived peacefully with her tiny baby. The tree provided them with shelter, shade, and a sense of security. Every day, the mother dove would watch over her little one, teaching it to flap its wings, coo softly, and enjoy the calm of the natural world. Life had been simple, quiet, and safe for them, and she felt content in the little world that belonged entirely to her and her chick.

One day, while the mother dove sat in her nest with her baby, she noticed a group of people approaching along the roadside. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized they were bird catchers. Before she could react, a small stone from a slingshot struck her, and she tumbled helplessly to the ground. Fear and confusion overwhelmed her, and for a moment she lost all sense of direction.

When she regained consciousness, she found herself in a strange cage. Nearby, there were two small bowls—one filled with water, the other with millet. A soft warm blanket and a tiny swing lay carefully arranged inside the cage. Looking around, she saw a thin, protective mesh and other cages stacked nearby. The mother dove instantly understood that she, along with her little chick, had become one of the unfortunate creatures whose freedom had been cruelly taken away.

Days passed slowly, and the mother dove and her chick grew sad. They stopped eating and drinking, consumed by the sorrow of being caged. The natural rhythm of their lives—flying freely, basking in the sunlight, and exploring the branches—was replaced by confinement and despair. Their spirits dwindled, and they often huddled together silently, sharing in each other’s grief.

One day, a boy visited the shop with his father. He walked past the other birds, his gaze pausing at the mother dove and her baby. The boy immediately sensed the sadness in their eyes and realized that they longed to be free. Something stirred in his kind heart, and he whispered a few words to his father. The father looked at the birds and nodded in agreement. The boy had understood what the mother dove could not yet comprehend herself—that her freedom had been taken unjustly, and perhaps there was a chance for restoration.

The father purchased the mother dove and her chick. The boy’s small act of compassion had a profound effect. Once they arrived at the boy’s home, he gently opened the cage and let the mother dove and her baby fly free. The mother dove felt a rush of happiness she had not experienced in a long time. She realized that this precious freedom was now a gift given because of the kindness of this child. She could hardly believe it—her wings once again carried her into the open sky, and her little chick followed suit, chirping with delight.

Grateful and relieved, the mother dove decided that she had found the safest and most beautiful place for her nest. She chose to rebuild her home in the garden of this compassionate child, who had unknowingly become a protector and friend. Every day, she and her baby flew freely in the garden, enjoying the sunlight, the fresh air, and the gentle touch of freedom. The boy often scattered grains for them, laughing as he watched them peck and flutter. It became a bond of trust and joy, a connection built on simple goodness.

The boy also learned an important lesson: a small act of kindness could create lasting happiness, not only for the recipients but for the giver as well. The mother dove understood that this garden, this child’s care, and this freedom were perhaps the most precious gift she could ever receive. She had known suffering and captivity, but she now understood true happiness—the joy that comes from kindness, care, and the ability to live free

In this new home, mother and child dove thrived, always remembering that their liberation had been brought about by the gentle heart of a young boy. His small act had changed their lives forever, and the mother dove resolved to live freely, safely, and gratefully in the garden that had become her sanctuary. It was not wealth or grand gestures that mattered, but love, compassion, and freedom—an invaluable lesson for all who witnessed her flight.