Crowning Fables 4: A collection of one short stories

Why?

In the quaint town of Everbrook, nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, lived a curious little girl named Lily. She was known for her incessant questions, always wondering about the world around her. "Why is the sky blue?" "Why do birds sing?" "Why do leaves change color in the fall?" Her inquiries were endless, and the townspeople affectionately called her "Little Why."

One day, as the town prepared for the annual Harvest Festival, a mysterious old man arrived at the outskirts of Everbrook. He wore a tattered cloak and carried a weathered book. The villagers whispered among themselves, intrigued by the stranger's arrival.

Little Why couldn't resist her curiosity and approached the old man with a gleam in her eye. "Why have you come to our town?" she asked, her voice sweet and innocent.

The old man smiled kindly at her and replied, "I have come to share the answers to the most profound questions in the world."

"Really?" Little Why's eyes widened in excitement. "Why do we dream?"

The old man chuckled. "Dreams are the windows to our imagination and subconscious thoughts. They help us understand ourselves better and explore the wonders of our minds."

For hours, Little Why and the old man engaged in a fascinating conversation, delving into the mysteries of the universe. The townspeople gathered around, captivated by the knowledge that was being exchanged.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the horizon, Little Why asked the old man a question that had always puzzled her. "Why do we grow old? Why do we have to say goodbye to the ones we love?"

The old man's eyes softened with a touch of sadness. "We grow old to learn the value of time and cherish the moments we have. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it teaches us to appreciate the people and memories we hold dear."

Feeling a mix of emotions, Little Why pondered the old man's words. "But why do we have to learn difficult lessons?"

The old man gently patted her head. "Life's lessons may be challenging, but they shape us into better, stronger individuals. They lead us on a journey of self-discovery and growth."

As the night grew darker, the townspeople bid farewell to the old man, grateful for the wisdom he shared. Little Why, however, still had one last question in her heart.

"Why?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The old man smiled warmly. "Sometimes, my dear, 'why' is the most important question of all. It drives us to seek knowledge, to explore the world, and to understand ourselves and others better. Embrace your curiosity, for it holds the key to unlocking life's mysteries."

With that, the old man disappeared into the shadows, leaving Little Why with a heart full of wonder and a mind eager for more answers. From that day forward, the little girl's questions continued, not just for herself but for everyone in Everbrook, inspiring them to seek knowledge, discover their purpose, and cherish the beauty of life's whys.