SEC-S30W4: Building A Fable | The Gentle Hen and the Prickly Heart

_{Henny and Prickles}

Once upon a time, in the green forest, lived two different animals, one was a kind hen and her name was Henny. She was popularly known by other animals because Henny would not think twice before helping others. Henny was always cheerful, and she used to spend most of her time helping. She loves sharing what she has with others; sometimes, she will even guide lost chicks back to their home and comfort them if they're sad.

In the same forest lived a porcupine by the name Prickles. Prickles on the other hand was rude and avoided by other animals because he had a sharp mouth. He did not have any friends due to his harsh nature, so no one wanted to be close to him. Prickles used to complain about everything and believed that nobody loved him, so it was better to be rude than to be disappointed.

_{The rude Prickles in his den}

One dry season, there was famine in the green forest. Streams got dry and the ground became so hard. Many animals were struggling to put food on their tables, some days they would search all the nooks and crannies of the forest for what to eat, most animals became so thin! Henny was still generous, she always shared the little she had with others despite the scarcity. One afternoon as she was scratching the dry soil then she hit a jackpot, yes she found a lot of buried grains. The kind Henny didn't keep everything for herself, she shared the grains with those in need.

_{Henny sharing with small chicks}

One day as Henny was walking in the forest path, she came across Prickles who was so weak and tired because of hunger. The hunger really humbled him for good because he was not grumpy as usual, but rather exhausted.

When Henny saw him, she approached and greeted him kindly. She said; "Hello Prickles, you don't look well. Would you like to have some food?"

Princkles frowned. "Leave me alone, I don't need your help," he snapped. "You go away before I poke you!"

Henny was calm, she didn't respond in kind, nor did she take any offense. She simply leaves some food near Prickles, and gently says, "In case you change your mind." And she walked away immediately after.

Princkles was being stubborn at first, he didn't want to eat the food, but finally gave in when he couldn't hold the hunger in her stomach again, he ate it and was satisfied, he regained his strength and energy. That evening something stirred inside him, a feeling of love and care, something he had never experienced before. Someone was so kind to him even when he was rude.

From that time onward, Henny will greet Prickles warmly each time she passes his den, Prickles didn't shout at her, but will nods slightly. Very soon Henny starts visiting Prickles, and she would bring food for him sometimes, and other times she would just chat kindly with him. Slowly Prickles' attitude changed, his sharp words became fewer and his heart softened, though he was still on guard.

One fateful evening, a sudden storm struck the green forest, it was raining heavily with a strong wind. The rain flooded the forest, and many homes like burrows and nests were swept away. Unfortunately, Henny lost her home too, and she was struggling to find shelter. Her little wings couldn't protect her from the fierce storm.

When Prickles saw Henny from his dry and secure den trying to protect herself from the rain, he didn't want to help at first, since he loves his own space so much. But when he remembered how kind Henny was with him, the food, patience, and calmness he called her to join him in his den.

_{Henny and Prickles in the den}

“Hey!” Prickles called out. “Come over here! You can stay with me in my den!”

Henny was so surprised and very grateful. She ran quickly to Prickles' shelter, and she stayed there until the storm was over.

From that day on, Prickles became good friends with Henny, and he became kind and not rude again. He was no longer the lonely porcupine other animals feared. He learned to use kind words over the years and to show kindness. Finally, the kind Henny just got herself a true friend!

Other animals in the green forest noticed the changes in Prickles and also became his friends. Prickles became warmth and No wonder the Bible says "A mild answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - Psalm 15:1 (A true meaning of change is constant) and all these happened because of a kind hen who chooses patience over pride.

Moral lesson: We should be kind both in words and deeds, No wonder the Bible says "A mild answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - Proverbs 15:1. We should be generous toward all, not withholding good from those to whom we should give it If it is within your power to help. - Proverbs 3:27, this is because the power of kindness and goodness can soften even a stone heart.

NB: I generated all the photos using the Canva app.