THE BUTTERFLY AND THE PEAR TREE

The Butterfly And The Pear Tree

Serendipity was a beautiful monarch butterfly with brilliant black, gold, and white colors in her wings. Serendipity was dazzling, lovely, and carefree. The end of summer had grown close. While the other Monarch butterflies were busy eating and preparing to take the flight to their long winter resting place; Serendipity was actively fluttering about with a rabble of different butterflies. The bouncy butterflies fluttered all over the flower field in play. She took no note. Her best friends Tiger and Glasswing tried to warn her, "Soon, the day of flight will be upon us; without strength enough to keep up, you'll fall way behind." Serendipity continued to take no notice.

The summer days grew shorter and shorter. Finally, the day came when Glasswing joined her a moment in the rabble," Tomorrow the swarm will leave for our winter resting place, "Glasswing continued, "you have done no preparation." Serendipity was shocked, now realizing the day of the flight was upon them and knowing how poorly prepared she really was. It would be a harrowing experience. Instead of an exciting adventure, it would be filled with unexpected turns and twists and perhaps even sacrifice. Serendipity had to deny herself of fluttering about with the rabble that evening. Although tempting, She spent the remainder of the day away from the disorderly crowd. She remembered how fast-moving the swarm could be and spent her time among the plants left and devouring the sweet nectars that remained. To make it to a final winter resting place, a monarch had to be strong. There was only one way to do that-eat! After eating, Serendipity felt strong, and that night, she rested with the other monarchs.

It was the morning of migration. Serendipity fluttered around early as the monarchs were readying themselves for their long journey. She was ever so grateful she spent the last evening eating and storing food. While secretly hoping it would be enough to remain strong. There were hundreds and hundreds of beautiful monarchs in the swarm. Serendipity felt it was a privilege to be a part of the glorious flight of the butterflies. It would be a lovely sight to see. The monarch's swarms of orange, black, and white gold wing colors would create the most magnificent kaleidoscope ever. At first, the swarm spiraled a little out of control. Soon a wonderfully formed kaleidoscope came into view. The brilliant colors of the different colored winged butterflies created a breathtaking picture. It was lovely. With every twist and turn of each winged creature, the kaleidoscope changed its colors.

Serendipity was proud to be a part of this stellar migration. At first, it was easy fluttering along. Every butterfly was harmonious synced. It wasn't long into the assent Serendipity felt her energy begin to wane. As the swarm continued to flutter, Serendipity began to fall back. Soon she found herself in the middle of the multitude. Tiger and Glasswing were keeping pace with the others butterflies. They were at the front of the kaleidoscope. Serendipity continued to fall back, and soon the kaleidoscope was far ahead of her. Her brilliant colors were no longer a part of the stunning picture created. The swarm had traveled for days and stopped to do some puddling on a beach. They still had not reached their final resting place. Serendipity had reached the end of her energy. She was sure she could go; further, she just needed a little more resting time. If only the swarm would agree to that. Sadly they had not, and the kaleidoscope was way ahead of her. Tearfully she watched the kaleidoscope leave her behind. Well, there's a bright side of everything, Serendipity thought to herself as she slowed down to eat and rest up a bit more. After spending an evening resting up, she headed out along the route in hopes of catching up with the kaleidoscope.

Now alone in a new place, she'd have to fend for herself. The first thing she would have to find was food. This would create a task because the kaleidoscope had just passed through and cleaned the plants of the nectar. She needed to fly around and find another place to eat. Perhaps she could find a mineral-rich spot and satisfy her salt craving as well. After fulfilling her salt craving, Serendipity took a bouncy flight in search of fruit trees and flowers. Summers end was making the food findings slim along with the migration. She would catch up with the kaleidoscope after a little more rest and strength. Up in the distance, Serendipity spied out a pear tree. Grateful it had been depleted of all its blossoms. For that meant the bees would be gone.

Late in the season, the fruit, if any fruit left it would be very ripe for the best nectar. The pear tree sat alone in a green grass field. With excitement, she could hardly wait to get there. Serendipity made her destination the pear tree. The tree seemed hopeful as she fluttered around in search of a ripe piece of fruit. Serendipity was not the only one looking for food. The hungry Black-backed Oriole sat perched on a branch. He had gone entirely unnoticed by Serendipity. Having gone without good nectar for the last couple of days, the pear tree instantly caught her notice. Serendipity spotted a nice piece of ripe fruit. Then eagerly fluttering over to the pear to indulge herself. She made her landing smooth and begin to take in the sweetest nectar imagined. Seconds later, by sudden surprise, the Black-backed Oriole made a surprise attack on Serendipity. Its pounce was so close it nearly clipped her wing. The Black-backed Oriole chased the dainty butterfly round and round. Weak and out of strength, the chase was a most dreadful frenzy.

Finally, she was able to get out of harm's way in a nick of time. She fled and hid under the cover of a few pear leaves. The Black-backed Oriole had given up the chase and flew away. The incident caused Serendipity a life threatening fright. How she regretted all she had done that caused her to be in harm's way. Never again would she neglect the more important things. That's if she were given another chance. Serendipity missed the kaleidoscope and was determined to catch up no matter what it meant. She had learned her lesson. And if she got another chance, she would do things differently. But until then, she remained safely hidden among the leaves of this pear tree until it was safe to search for the kaleidoscope again. She promised herself to live her life going forward with fewest regrets possible.