Butterfly...

" Children...Today, I shall tell you a story...a story about a butterfly...my butterfly!

When I was a small kid, just like you. I use to be as playful as you all are...mischievous and naughty. I wanted to explore this nature, every beautiful creation and every offering of it. But, I never knew how I can grow closer to nature....until one day, while I was playing in the balcony...a young butterfly rested on my shoulder. She had vibrant wings, a delicate lace and an immersing grace...I was fascinated and amazed to see her, just as you all are to listen to my story...I  extended my arm to reach her....she rested on my finger with  an easy motion...I understood...we were friends now!

I went on to explore the nature through her stories  and her flight...through the trees, through the rivers...into the busy lanes...I lived moments learning the greenery of life, busy ways of people, innocence of a child...until one day, when the butterfly decided to fly away....I was left with no reason to understand....

I continued to explore the world I was introduced to...to live with memories, with hope that she will return. Few years later, as I rested on the green meadow...I was greeted by her again...my butterfly...who rested on my forehead....

My joy knew no bounds, I was happy to see her back in my life...I was excited to think of life I shall live with her as company...we were friends again...I was happy to see myself immersing in life again...reaching out to various gifts of nature...listening to the music of the gentle breeze, the warmth in the rising sun....chill that the winter rain brings....

One day, as we were about to set out ...she was cold with no emotion...she no longer responded my calls to pave the way...neither was she interested to hear my stories...she wanted me to let go...she wanted to fly away...

When I want to explore this nature any more, I will have to do it on my own again...I understood,  I ..me ...myself will have to set my life free, if it  happens to come back...it will be forever...and if it did not, it was never bound to be.

I set her free...with a flutter, her wings flapped...and she rose, higher and higher. My heart palpitated as I stood watching her move away....will I ever be able to see her again? I never know "

The Children continued to stare at me in amazement...one of them raised his hand, but he was silent with his innocent gaze fixed on me. For a minute, he spoke nothing... and then he said, "Will the butterfly come back?"

" I do not know, I have all my life to wait...with hope", I said.