In a peaceful part of the ocean, there was a fish known for its shimmering, multicolored scales that sparkled like jewels in the water. It was called the Kind-Hearted Fish, admired by many for its beauty. The vibrant blue, green, and golden scales caught the light in such a way that it looked like a living rainbow gliding through the deep sea.
All the sea creatures would gaze in awe at the Kind-Hearted Fish, but despite the admiration, it swam alone. The fish believed that its dazzling appearance was all it needed to feel content. But as time went on, a feeling of loneliness crept in, and the fish couldn’t understand why it felt so empty despite having everything it thought mattered.
One day, while swimming near a cluster of colorful coral, a tiny blue fish swam over and shyly asked, “Your scales are the most beautiful in the entire ocean. Could I please have just one to carry a bit of your light with me?”
The Kind-Hearted Fish, caught off guard, responded, “My scales are precious to me. If I give one away, I won’t be as beautiful.” With that, the Kind-Hearted Fish swam off, leaving the little fish feeling disappointed and sad.
However, as the Kind-Hearted Fish continued to swim through the ocean, a strange, uneasy feeling filled its heart. The praise and admiration that once brought it joy now seemed hollow. The vibrant coral reefs, the flowing seaweed, and the glistening sunlight no longer brought the same excitement.
One day, the Kind-Hearted Fish encountered an old, wise sea turtle resting on a rock. The turtle noticed the fish’s troubled expression and asked gently, “What weighs so heavily on your heart, young one?”
The Kind-Hearted Fish replied, “I am admired for my beauty, but I feel lonely and unfulfilled. I thought being beautiful was enough.”
The turtle nodded and said, “Beauty is a gift, but it is only truly valuable when shared. Have you ever thought about giving, instead of keeping it all to yourself?”
This puzzled the Kind-Hearted Fish. “But if I give away my scales, won’t I lose my beauty?”
The wise turtle smiled softly. “You won’t lose anything important. In fact, sharing will bring you a deeper joy than you can imagine.”
Still uncertain, but willing to try, the Kind-Hearted Fish swam back to where it had last seen the little blue fish. When it found the fish, it said, “Here, I’ve thought about what you asked. Take this scale, and may it bring you happiness.”
The little blue fish’s eyes sparkled with joy as it accepted the gift. “Thank you! It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever had.”
Watching the happiness spread across the blue fish’s face, the Kind-Hearted Fish felt something warm stir inside. It was a feeling of joy far greater than anything it had experienced from being admired.
Soon, other fish, curious about the change in the Kind-Hearted Fish, approached and asked if they, too, could have a scale. The Kind-Hearted Fish happily shared its scales, one by one, with each fish in need. With every gift, the Kind-Hearted Fish felt lighter, more connected, and far happier than it had ever felt swimming alone with all its beauty intact.
Though it no longer had all its shining scales, the Kind-Hearted Fish realized that the beauty it shared with others was much more valuable than the beauty it kept for itself. And in return, the ocean was filled with friends who cared deeply for the Kind-Hearted Fish—not for its looks, but for its generous heart.
The ocean, once a place of admiration from afar, became a lively and joyful community where the Kind-Hearted Fish was loved and cherished for its kindness.
Moral:
True happiness and beauty come from sharing and giving to others.