The Owl Who Slept Through Sunrises
A Tale of Waking to the World’s Beauty
In the heart of an ancient, whispering forest, there lived a wise old owl named Orla. Unlike the other birds who welcomed each new day with cheerful songs, Orla always slept through the sunrise. As the first golden rays touched the treetops and the flowers stretched open to greet the light, Orla remained curled up in her cozy hollow, her feathers fluffed and her eyes tightly shut.
“The sun is too bright for me,” she would mutter, tucking her head under her wing.
“There’s nothing out there for an owl like me.”
And so, day after day, Orla chose the comfort of sleep over the unknown wonders of the daylight world.
Outside, the forest was alive with beauty. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their songs filling the air. Dew sparkled on the grass, and children played beneath the trees, chasing each other through patches of sunlight. The river, too, seemed to laugh as it danced over smooth stones, catching the morning light.
One morning, as the sky blushed pink and gold, Orla found herself unable to fall back asleep. Curiosity tugged at her heart. She blinked her eyes open and, for the first time, peered out of her hollow as the world awoke. She saw the trees swaying gently, their leaves shimmering in the sun. She watched children running and laughing, their faces bright with joy. She listened to the birds’ songs and the river’s cheerful babble.
Orla’s heart ached with wonder and a little regret for all she had missed. The world was more beautiful than she had ever imagined.
From that day on, Orla made sure to wake up early, eager to greet the sunrise and discover what each new day would bring.
Moral of the Story:
Don’t sleep through life’s light. Sometimes, we hide from the world out of habit or fear, but when we open our eyes and hearts, we discover beauty and joy we never knew existed. Wake up before life’s wonders pass you by.