Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The Boy Who Felt the World

(representation of autism)

Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, there lived a young boy named Camille. The village was a lively place, with a bustling market that filled the air with the scents of fresh bread, ripe fruits, and the chatter of villagers. Camille, however, experienced the world differently from everyone else. He felt everything around him with an intensity that was both a gift and a burden.

The colors of the market stalls were so vivid they seemed to dance before his eyes, the sounds of the villagers' conversations were like a symphony that played just for him, and the textures of the fabrics and produce were so distinct that he could lose himself in their touch. While others found joy in the hustle and bustle, Camille often felt overwhelmed, seeking refuge in the quiet corners of the village.

Camille found solace in the company of animals. The village cats would curl up in his lap, sensing his gentle nature, and the birds would sing their sweetest songs when he was near. He had a special bond with a stray dog named Luna, who followed him everywhere. Luna seemed to understand Camille in a way no one else did, offering silent companionship and comfort.

At night, when the village was asleep, Camille would climb to the top of a hill just outside the village. There, he would lie on his back and gaze at the stars. The night sky was his sanctuary, a place where he could find peace and clarity. The stars formed patterns that spoke to him, telling stories of distant worlds and ancient times. Camille would trace these patterns with his finger, feeling a deep connection to the universe.

One evening, as Camille was stargazing, he noticed something unusual. The stars seemed to be shifting, forming a new pattern he had never seen before. Intrigued, he watched closely and realized that the stars were outlining a path leading to a hidden part of the forest. Camille felt a strange pull, as if the stars were calling him to follow.

With Luna by his side, Camille ventured into the forest, guided by the starlit path. The forest was dense and dark, but Camille's heightened senses helped him navigate through the underbrush. After what felt like hours, they arrived at a clearing where an ancient tree stood, its branches reaching out like welcoming arms.

At the base of the tree, Camille discovered a hidden door. With a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, he opened it and found a staircase leading down into the earth. He descended the stairs, Luna close behind, until they reached a cavern illuminated by a soft, otherworldly glow. In the center of the cavern was a crystal, pulsating with light and energy.

Camille approached the crystal, feeling its warmth and power. As he touched it, he was flooded with visions of his village in danger. A terrible storm was approaching, one that would bring destruction and chaos. The crystal revealed that Camille had a unique talent, a gift that could save his village. He could harness the energy of the stars and the earth, using it to protect those he loved.

Determined to help, Camille returned to the village and shared his vision with the elders. Though skeptical at first, they saw the sincerity in his eyes and agreed to follow his lead. Camille guided the villagers to the ancient tree, where they gathered around the crystal. With Camille at the center, they joined hands and focused their collective energy.

As the storm approached, Camille felt the power of the crystal flowing through him. He directed this energy towards the sky, creating a protective barrier around the village. The storm raged on, but its fury was no match for the combined strength of Camille and the villagers. When the storm finally passed, the village was untouched, safe from harm.

From that day on, Camille was celebrated as a hero. The villagers came to understand and appreciate his gift, realizing that his sensitivity to the world around him was a strength, not a weakness. Camille continued to find solace in the quiet company of animals and the patterns in the stars, knowing that his unique perspective had saved his village.

And so, Camille lived happily ever after, embraced by a community that had learned to see the world through his eyes, appreciating the beauty and wonder that he felt so deeply.