The cocoon was dark and cramped. The little caterpillar had outgrown it. Fearfully, she made the decision to leave the small, dark confinement. The passage out was rough. Many times she fought the urge to return to her miserable abode. Determined to make it through, she prayed for strength. Inch by inch she crawled, guided by a light far off in the distance. Exhausted and nearing the end of her endurance, she gave a final, massive push. As she shed the last of her bloody cocoon, she blinked. Miraculously, she’d made it out alive. A droplet of water shimmered next to her. Thirsty, the little caterpillar lowered her head to sip from the liquid, but halted upon seeing her reflection. She gasped in wonder at the beautiful creature staring back at her.
Her mind reeled with confusion. How was this possible? The wind rustled the leaf she clung to and whispered, fly, for you are free. Her wings unfurled as she leapt from the branch, doing the very thing, she’d been born to do.

By Lorelie Rozzano.