The Rainbow Fish

Once upon a time, in the deep blue sea, there lived a fish unlike any other. This fish, named Rainbow, had scales so dazzling they sparkled like a thousand rainbows under the ocean sun. He was the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean and knew it well, often swimming alone to flaunt his shimmering scales. One day, as Rainbow Fish swam through the coral reef, a little blue fish swam up to him. "Rainbow Fish," said the little fish, eyeing his iridescent scales, "Can I have one of your shiny scales?" Rainbow Fish recoiled. "Why should I give you one of my beautiful scales? They are mine," he said, and swam away. The other fish in the reef heard about Rainbow Fish's greedy response and soon began to avoid him. Rainbow Fish found himself lonely, his marvelous scales reflected only in the surrounding emptiness of the sea. Desperate and confused, Rainbow Fish swam to the wise octopus who lived in a hidden cave. "Why does nobody like me? What should I do?" Rainbow Fish asked, as his scales dimmed slightly with sadness. The octopus looked at him thoughtfully. "I will tell you a secret," she said. "Giving away your scales – sharing your beauty – will bring you joy and friendship. It is the price of happiness." Rainbow Fish was hesitant but returned to the reef, mulling over the octopus’s words. A gentle current nudged him to where the little blue fish was playing. With trembling fins, he plucked the smallest of his shiny scales and offered it to the blue fish. The little fish was ecstatic, swimming in circles of delight. "Thank you, Rainbow Fish!" he exclaimed, his blue form now glistening with the gift he had received. In that moment, something changed within Rainbow Fish. His heart felt light and warm like the surface of the sea. Word spread quickly through the reef and one by one, all the fish asked for a shiny scale. Although each scale he gave away caused him to dim a little on the outside, Rainbow Fish found his heart blossoming with happiness. The reef lit up with color; now every fish had a piece of Rainbow Fish's beauty. In time, Rainbow Fish discovered that he wasn't lonely anymore. Instead of envy, the other fish showed him friendship and affection, creating a community filled with kindness and shared beauty. From that day forward, Rainbow Fish swam and played with his new friends, truly understanding the joy of giving. His scales might have been fewer in number, but he shone brighter within than ever before. And so, Rainbow Fish learned that the real treasure of the ocean was not in his scales, but in the friendships he built by sharing a little bit of his glitter with those around him.