Like a Bag of Feathers

Like a Bag of Feathers
(Text-type: Narrative [Moral Tale]}

It's really tough to start writing again. I think I have stopped too long.
So here is just a short story that I would like to share.

There was once two friends who thought the world of each other. They had grown up together, and were like peas in a pod. Of course, they shared almost everything together, and because of their trust in each other, they shared many, many secrets.

But one day, something came between them. For once, they fought. Both felt hurt by the harsh words that were exchanged, and each felt betrayed by the other. Pride also stood in the way , and they were unwilling to make the first move to apologise.

But while one kept his mouth shut, the other began to tell the secrets of his once 'best' friend. Pretty soon, the entire neighbourhood knew the deep dark secrets, and the man felt embarrased. Yet, he still kept his silence, and held his head up high.

His friend soon came to his senses, and felt bad about his actions. So he went over to apologise.

"I am really sorry. I want to make up for all my wrong-doings".

His friend looked at him long and hard. "I will...as long as you do something for me." He handed his friend a bag of feathers. " I want you to go to the town square, and release these. Come back when it is done."

Eager to make amends, he ran to the town, and did what he was told. It was a windy day, and all the feathers flew in every possible direction. Once done, he ran back to his friend.

"I have done as told. So am I forgiven?"

"No...Now I want you to go back, and collect all the feathers again." his friend instructed.

"What?! That is impossible." he yelled.

His friend looked at him long and hard. Finally he shook his head, and in a soft voice said," Well...that is just how hard I have to regain my reputation. You have spread the stories about me to people. Do you think you can retract your words?"

The man bowed his head low. He knew that he has lost his friend forever.


It's a simple story, but very deep. Very often, we are guilty of telling tales about others, or spreading gossips...or simply talking behind others' backs. And more often than not, we forget that like the feathers, once we make such comments, the damage is often irrevocable.