The Pond And A Big Lie

The frogs of the pond noticed him and croaked with joy. They cleared some moss, made space, and offered him clean water.

"You are welcome here," they said.

"This pond is special. We've kept it safe for travelers like you."

The egret chick smiled.

He told the frogs about his dream -"One day, I want to fly high...see the sky...and touch the clouds."

The frogs burst out laughing.

"Fly? The sky is not up there," they mocked.

"Look here. The real sky lives in this pond."

"Don't believe the illusion above," they said.

"Look into the water - see that reflection? That is the only sky there is. Trust us."

The egret chick stepped closer to the pond.

He looked at the still water.

It was true - it did showa perfect sky.

Maybe...maybe the frogs were right?

Just as he leaned forward to step into the pond - he noticed something.

Tiny footprints bird footprints -going in...but not coming out.

He froze.

His instincts kicked in. Something didn't feel right.

Without a second thought... he opened his wings -and soared upward into the real sky.

Down below, the frogs sat still. Their eyes blank. Their croaks hollow.

As if nothing had happened.

The moss gently floated back... covering the pond once again.