A Bird called Hope

 One evening, Nancy was playing in the backyard of their house. Elizabeth walked out and sat on the swing. The cool evening breeze was refreshing. The chirping of birds made it a soothing experience. Seeing her mother on the swing, Nancy scuttled to the other one. 

“I love you, mom,” said Nancy while swinging.

“I love you too, Nancy.”

“Mom, yesterday you explained about the hues of love. You made a good point, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” replied Elizabeth.

“I hope our love remains strong and true forever!” said Nancy.

“Well, I hope so too, love.”

“Nancy, you see that pretty little bird perched on that branch?” asked Elizabeth pointing towards the bird.

“Oh yes, it’s cute and its voice is so melodious!”

“Indeed,” replied Elizabeth. “Nancy, you know, a bird will sing in your backyard only if it finds a tree suitable to perch on.”

“Hmm,” Nancy did not get what her mother was trying to convey.

“I remember planting this tree before you were born,” said Elizabeth. “It was just a little sapling back then.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Nancy. “The tree is older than I am!”

“The bird represents hope, positive hope. Without the tree, it won’t remain with you for long,” said Elizabeth.

“And what does the tree represent?”

“The tree is your effort and faith,” explained Elizabeth. “With right effort and faith in your heart, hope will be optimistic and liberating. Without them, hope can feel like a burden, for as long as it remains.”

“Without the tree the bird won’t stay for long, isn’t it? No bird means no song!”

“Exactly, you got that right,” replied Elizabeth.

After thinking for a couple of minutes, Nancy said, “So, we will work towards ensuring our love remains strong. We will keep faith in each other and in the universe and then hope that our love remains as it is.”

“We will! I am so proud of you, Nancy,” said Elizabeth.

Nancy smiled. “Thank you, mom.”