The Three Questions

Once upon a time, in a cozy cottage nestled at the edge of a vast, enchanting forest, lived a young and curious boy named Leo. Leo’s room was filled with maps of distant lands, jars of glowing fireflies, and tiny replicas of castles. On the windowsill, a wise-looking owl perched, ever watchful and ready to share tales of the woods. One bright morning, as the sunlight streamed through the curtains, Leo pondered three questions that had been puzzling him for days. He wondered aloud to his wise owl friend, named Olly. “Olly,” Leo began, “what is the most important time to do things? Who is the most important one to pay attention to? And what is the most important thing to do?” Olly blinked and ruffled her feathers thoughtfully. “Those are important questions indeed, Leo. Why don’t you seek out the old turtle, Master Toko, in the heart of the forest? He is known to have the wisdom of ages.” Without hesitation, Leo packed his explorer’s satchel with a small snack, his trusty compass, and a notebook. With Olly fluttering above, he ventured into the forest, eager for answers. The forest was filled with the rustling of leaves and the chattering of animals. Leo walked until the trees grew taller and the air felt cooler. Finally, he came across a beautiful clearing bathed in golden light, and there, on a sunlit rock, sat Master Toko. As Leo approached, he noticed Master Toko was helping a distressed squirrel untangle its tail from a thorny bush. Leo paused and then decided to help too. With their combined efforts, the squirrel was soon free and chattered happily as it scampered away. “Thank you, kind boy,” Master Toko said with a warm smile. “Now, what brings you here?” Leo recited his three questions with a sincere heart. The old turtle listened carefully and then replied, “You have already learned much today.” “What do you mean?” Leo asked, puzzled. “Just moments ago,” Master Toko began, “the most important time was when you were helping the squirrel. The most important one was the squirrel in need. And the most important thing was to help it.” Leo’s eyes widened with understanding. Olly hooted softly in approval from a nearby branch. “Whenever you notice someone in need,” continued Master Toko, “and act to help them, you are living in the most important moment, focusing on the most important one, and doing the most important thing.” Leo nodded thoughtfully, feeling the wisdom of the forest fill his heart. He thanked Master Toko and, with a light step, made his way back home, carrying the newfound knowledge like a cherished treasure. Back in his cozy room, with Olly watching over him, Leo thought about his adventure. He realized that every moment held an opportunity for kindness and that the answers to his questions were all around him, waiting in the simple acts of helping others. And so, Leo drifted off to sleep, dreaming of more adventures and the countless ways he could make the world a better place with each passing moment.