Story 32 – The Painter and the Storm
Luca was a painter who loved the sea. Every day, he set up his canvas on the cliffs and tried to
capture the waves. Yet no matter how hard he worked, his paintings felt lifeless. One evening, a
great storm rolled in. The villagers ran for shelter, but Luca stayed, watching the wild ocean
crash against the rocks. His hands trembled, but his heart burned. He picked up his brush and
painted with fierce strokes, following the rhythm of the storm.
When the clouds cleared, he looked at his canvas. For the first time, the sea looked alive—angry,
powerful, and beautiful. The villagers, seeing his work, were amazed. “You finally painted the
sea as it truly is,” they said. Luca smiled, realizing that true art came not from safety but from
facing the storm with courage.
Lesson: Beauty and truth often come when we face challenges instead of hiding from them.
Word count: ~303
Story 33 – The Wise Farmer
A farmer’s horse ran away one morning. His neighbors said, “What bad luck!” The farmer only
replied, “Maybe.” Days later, the horse returned, bringing three wild horses with it. “What good
fortune!” the neighbors cried. The farmer again said, “Maybe.”
His son tried to ride one of the wild horses, but he fell and broke his leg. The neighbors shook
their heads, “Terrible misfortune!” The farmer still said, “Maybe.” Weeks later, soldiers came to
the village, forcing young men into the army. Because of his broken leg, the farmer’s son was
spared.
The neighbors finally understood. What seemed like good or bad luck could change with time.
The farmer’s calm wisdom taught them that life cannot be judged too quickly.
Lesson: Life’s events may seem fortunate or unfortunate, but only time reveals their true
meaning.
Word count: ~299
Story 34 – The Carpenter’s Chair
In a small town, a carpenter named Arun built chairs for a living. He always worked with
patience, carving each detail carefully. One day, a rich man ordered a grand chair, promising
high payment if it was finished quickly. Tempted, Arun rushed the job. The chair looked fine but
wobbled when sat upon. The rich man refused to pay.
Ashamed, Arun rebuilt the chair slowly, giving it his best work. This time, it was strong, elegant,
and admired by all. The rich man not only paid him but also told others of his skill. Arun learned
that quality mattered more than speed or profit.
Lesson: Work done with care lasts longer than work done in haste.
Word count: ~301
Story 35 – The Bell of Justice
In an ancient town, a great bell hung in the center square. Anyone seeking justice could ring it,
and the king would listen. For years, it stood silent. One day, a starving old man stretched to pull
the rope but could not reach. Seeing this, a kind child tied a vine from a nearby plant to the bell
so even the weak could ring it.
Soon after, the old man rang the bell. He told the king how a merchant had cheated him. The
king punished the merchant and rewarded the old man. From then on, the vine remained,
reminding everyone that justice should be within reach of all, not just the strong.
Lesson: True justice is measured by how it protects the weakest among us.
Word count: ~302
