The Song of Peace

Start writing...In a land called Verdana, where green hills rolled like waves and rivers sparkled under the sun, the people had forgotten how to smile. For years, anger and fear had filled their hearts. Neighbors who once shared meals now turned away from each other. Streets that echoed with children’s laughter fell silent. Even the wind seemed to carry whispers of sadness.

But in the darkest times, hope often shines brightest.

### **A Girl With a Song**
In a small house at the edge of the village lived a little girl named Lina. She was only eight years old, but her heart was full of kindness. Lina loved to sing—her voice was as gentle as a breeze, as sweet as morning birdsong. Her grandfather, a wise old man with eyes full of stories, once told her:

*"Never underestimate a song, my child. Music can heal what words cannot."*

One evening, as Lina watched the sunset paint the sky in gold and pink, she thought of her grandfather’s words. An idea bloomed in her heart. *What if a song could bring peace back to Verdana?*

### **The First Note of Change**
The next morning, Lina went to the town square—a place where people usually shouted and argued. Instead of joining the anger, she climbed onto the old stone fountain and began to sing.

*"Why do we fight? Why do we cry?*
*Can’t we share the same sky?*
*Hand in hand, heart to heart,*
*Maybe peace can make a start."*

At first, no one seemed to listen. People walked past, too lost in their own sadness. But Lina didn’t give up. She returned every day, singing the same song in the square, the market, even outside the homes of those who hadn’t spoken in years.

### **The Magic of a Melody**
Slowly, something beautiful happened.

The grumpy baker, who had refused to sell bread to his old friend for years, stopped mid-argument when he heard Lina’s voice. The melody reminded him of happier days—when the smell of fresh bread brought smiles, not fights. With a deep breath, he grabbed a warm loaf and walked across the street.

"Here," he muttered, holding out the bread. "You always liked my rye."

His friend stared, then smiled. "And you always loved my apple pies. Let’s share some, like we used to."

Word of Lina’s song spread like sunlight after rain. Children sang it while playing. Mothers hummed it while cooking. Even the soldiers, who once stood with stern faces, found themselves whispering the words.

### **The Leaders Listen**
One day, the leaders of Verdana—who had argued for years—heard the song drifting through the palace windows. At first, they ignored it. But the melody stayed in their hearts, reminding them of the Verdana they once loved.

Finally, the strictest leader stood up during a heated meeting and said, "Enough. Our people deserve peace."

And just like that, the fighting stopped.

### **A Land Reborn**
The change was magical. People stepped out of their homes—not with weapons, but with flowers and food. They hugged old enemies. They rebuilt broken bridges. The rivers sparkled again, and laughter returned to the hills.

Lina’s song became Verdana’s song of peace. Every year, on the Day of Harmony, the entire country gathered in the square to sing it together.

As for Lina? She grew up to become a teacher, showing children that even the smallest voice can change the world.

And Verdana? It never forgot the power of a single song—or the little girl who taught them that kindness is stronger than anger. heongae