Theme: friendship

The centipede and the butterfly

A caterpillar and a centipede lived in the forest, at the foot of a large tree, they were very good friends. They had grown up together and enjoyed walking in the sun, eating green leaves and playing together.

Time passed and it was time for the caterpillar to make a cocoon.

The centipede was thinking about this when the ladybug came passing by.

- Good morning, centipede! Would you and the caterpillar like to see with me the flowers that bloomed? - said the ladybug.

- Good morning! I think the caterpillar will still be in her cocoon for a few days, but I would love to go with you!

- Poor thing... It must be so cramped in there. I hope she gets well - said the ladybug thoughtfully.

A few days passed, and all the forest animals were waiting for the caterpillar to come out of her cocoon. They gathered together around the cocoon to welcome the caterpillar as she emerged.

- She must be hungry after being in her cocoon so long - said the snail - I brought her some leaves if she wants to make a snack.

- Behold, the cocoon is opening! - said the excited centipede -Let's welcome the caterpillar!

But everyone got a big surprise when they saw two beautiful blue wings coming out of the cocoon. The caterpillar had turned into a butterfly!

- How wonderful, caterpillar... I mean, butterfly! - laughed the centipede - Now that you can walk again, do you want to play with us in the roots of the mango tree?

- I'm very tired of trying so hard to get out of the cocoon - said the butterfly - Why don't you go ahead? I'll spread my wings and when I'm better I'll find you.

The centipede agreed, thinking that the next day she could walk with her friend, as they used to do before. But the next morning, the butterfly also declined the invitation.

- Now that I've got wings, I'm not sure it's a good idea for us to go for a walk together.

- Boloney - said the centipede. - The bee also has wings, and we used to go together to the riverbank to see the flowers that grew there. It's okay to be different.

Even so, the butterfly refused. The centipede went out to look for leaves to eat and meanwhile the butterfly flew to the river.

- How can I fly fast! My wings are really wonderful! - she bragged.

The butterfly flew to the bank of the river and landed on a flower that was falling over the water and was admiring the reflection of her wings.

Suddenly, a strong wind shook the flower the butterfly was on, and she fell into the river. Luckily, the butterfly managed to cling to a floating branch. With her wings wet, she couldn't make it back to shore.

- Help! Please someone help me! - cried the butterfly.

The butterfly was very surprised when she saw the centipede calling her friends to help. The ant, which was the strongest, managed to hold a stick for the butterfly to lean on. With everyone's help, she made it out of the river safely.

- You saved me! Centipede, please forgive me. You were always my friend and, just because of my wings, I felt more important. But when I needed you the most, you stayed by my side. Thanks to all of you very much! You are very important to me. You are my friends and I never want to leave you.

That day, the butterfly learned that true friendship is precious, and appearances shouldn't be more important than affection.

(Text by Lívia Seneda.)

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com