Passion and the Owl's Untimely Call

At Lotus Lake lived Passion, a graceful swan admired for his gentle manners. One evening, when the water shone silver beneath the moon, a brown owl landed on a low branch. ‘I have heard of your kindness,’ said the visitor. ‘I hoped we might become friends.’ Passion welcomed him, and the two talked until the stars began to fade.

Before leaving, the owl invited Passion to visit his home in a distant grove. A few days later, Passion flew there. He called and called, but no answer came. At last he noticed a hollow in an old tree. The owl was sleeping inside because bright daylight hurt his eyes. Passion waited patiently until evening, when his friend finally woke.

They spent a pleasant night together. Near dawn, a travelling caravan camped beyond the trees. Its leader blew a conch to wake everyone. The owl, excited by the strange sound, answered with a loud, rough hoot. ‘Please be quiet,’ whispered Passion. ‘The travellers do not know us.’ But the owl hooted again.

A startled guard, unable to see clearly through the leaves, sent an arrow toward the sound. It struck the branch with a sharp crack. Passion sprang into the air just in time, while the owl darted into his hollow. No one was hurt, but Passion’s feathers trembled as he flew above the grove.

When darkness returned, the owl came out looking ashamed. ‘I wanted to answer the call,’ he said. ‘I did not stop to think that my voice might bring danger to both of us.’ Passion replied, ‘A friend may mean well and still make an unwise choice. We must listen when someone warns us.’

The owl apologized, and Passion forgave him. After that, they met at quiet places and chose their visiting hours carefully. Their friendship continued, but it became wiser: each learned the other’s habits, and both remembered that the right words at the wrong time can cause trouble.

__Moral: __Friendship needs good judgment: speak and act at the right time.