“I want to grow up to be a big, strong wall,” Freddie would tell his friends, the flowers and the birds. “Walls are tall and mighty. They protect castles and houses. I want to be just like them!”
One day, as Freddie was daydreaming about being a wall, a wise old owl named Ollie perched on him.
“Why do you want to be a wall, Freddie?” asked Ollie.
“Because walls are important and strong, Ollie,” Freddie replied. “I want to be important and strong too.”
Ollie thought for a moment and said, “Why don’t you see what it’s like to be a wall for a day?”
Freddie was excited. That night, with a sprinkle of magic dust from Ollie’s feathers, Freddie transformed into a tall, brick wall. He stood strong and firm, towering over the garden.
The next morning, Freddie noticed something different. The garden seemed quieter. The birds didn’t perch on him, and the flowers looked a bit sad. Freddie missed the laughter of children who used to peek through his slats and the squirrels who ran along his top.
As the day went on, Freddie saw that being a wall wasn’t as fun as he thought. He couldn’t see the beautiful garden or chat with his friends. He felt lonely and isolated.
When night fell, Ollie the owl returned. “How did you like being a wall, Freddie?” he asked.
“It was lonely, Ollie,” Freddie admitted. “I couldn’t see my friends or feel the breeze. I miss being a fence.”
Ollie nodded wisely. “You see, Freddie, walls have their purpose, but so do fences. You bring joy to the garden with your openness. You let the sunshine in and give a place for birds to rest. You’re important just as you are.”
With a flap of his wings, Ollie sprinkled more magic dust, and Freddie turned back into the friendly wooden fence. He was so happy to be himself again.
From that day on, Freddie embraced his role in the garden. He welcomed the birds, the squirrels, and the laughter of children. He realized that being a fence was special, and he didn’t need to be a wall to be important.
And so, Freddie the fence lived happily in the garden, knowing that he was perfect just the way he was. The end.
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