The Tortoise who Learned to Dream!

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In a peaceful forest just by a slow river lived a tortoise named Kalu. He was recognized by all the animals for one thing; his slowness. While others ran, jumped, and flew, Kalu moved at his own careful speed. Because of this, he was often overlooked. No one invited him to join races or adventures. They thought he could not make it.

Kalu never complained. Every morning, he walked to the river, watched the water flow, and returned home before sunset. His life was simple, safe, and predictable. Yet deep inside him was a feeling he could not explain, an emptiness that grew each time he saw the birds flying across the sky.

One afternoon, while Kalu rested under a mango tree, he overheard a group of animals chatting excitedly. They were planning a trip beyond the forest to see the Great Hills, a place said to be beautiful and filled with fresh streams. Kalu listened quietly. For the first time, he did not just listen, but he pictured himself there. That night, Kalu dreamed of standing on the hills, feeling the wind on his shell.

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When morning came, Kalu was surprised by his own decision, instead of heading to the river, he packed a small bag of leaves and moved towards the hills. His move was slow, and the journey was long. The sun was too hot even to the ground. He always want to turn back, but whenever doubt arose, he rememebered his dream.

Along the way, Kalu saw an ant struggling to carry food, he allowed her to rest on his shell and he also helped a lost frog find its way back to the stream. Although he moved at a slow move, but never stopped. Days went by, and Kalu eventually reached the Hills.

From the hills, he kept staring at the forest spreading far below. It was more amazing than he had imagined. But in that moment, Kalu understood something different; his strength was not in speed, but in perseverance. He had learned to dream, and more importantly, he had learned to take action.

When Kalu got back home, the animals gathered to listen to his story. They no longer see him as just a slow tortoise, they saw his bravery. From that moment on, Kalu continued to take the same slow steps,but with a heart filled with dreams.