6th Mar 2025
Farida lived in a cozy little house beside the whispering wood. Every morning, she would greet the animals in her garden. "Good morning, squirrels!" she would call, and they twitched their tails in reply. Her sister Salma would say, "Talking to squirrels, again, Farida?" But Farida didn't mind. She loved the colorful flowers and the cheerful chirping of birds around her. One day, she shared her birthday wish with a ladybug: "I wish I could understand what the animals are saying!"
On her eighth birthday, Farida woke up with excitement. She raced down the stairs, her heart full of joy. Salma was there, reading her book. "Guess what? My wish came true!" Farida exclaimed. Salma rolled her eyes. "Talking animals? Is that even possible?" But as they played, Farida found a little brown bird named Pip who chirped, "Happy birthday, Farida! I can talk because of your wish!" Farida laughed and whispered back to Pip, eager to learn. Today was not just her birthday; it was a day for magic to unfold!
The garden seemed to shimmer with delight as Farida and Pip strolled among the flowers. "See, Salma! Isn't it amazing?" Farida called out, as a line of ants carried tiny crumbs, each one humming a happy tune. Salma joined them, still skeptical, but her eyes widened in wonder when a cheeky rabbit wiggled its nose and greeted her with a polite, "Good day, Miss Salma!" Even she had to laugh at that.
As the afternoon sun warmed their faces, a gentle breeze carried a melody through the air. "Come, Farida," chirped Pip, flitting from bush to bush. Curiosity sparked, Farida followed with Salma close behind, until they reached the edge of the garden. There, a wise old turtle named Mr. Shelly was preparing a surprise party for Farida, complete with a cake made of fresh leaves and berries. "We all wanted to celebrate your special gift," he announced slowly, "and thank you for always being our friend."
Farida beamed with happiness, surrounded by her new friends, the garden alive with joyful chatter. Salma, seeing the magic in her sister’s eyes, finally believed. "Perhaps wishes do come true," she said, smiling. As the day faded into a starry night, Farida knew this birthday would be one she would cherish forever, not just because she could now understand animals, but because her heart was fuller than ever.
