A Story from the Bird That Cannot Fly

🎨 Illustration Caption Layout — Neferlle --- Paragraph-style Short Sentences • The Beauty of the World The world is truly beautiful. I have believed this ever since I understood things. Not only beneath the water, but even at the edge of the “world,” it is breathtakingly beautiful. • Crossing Worlds I came to a place I had never been before, guided by a faint light. A world not of mine, not of the sea— you call it the land above. The rocks, once only shadows, shone with unexpected beauty. I stood upon them and sang. That was our encounter. • The Symbol of Exchange You said my song was beautiful. I had never heard a voice like yours. You gave me a crystal-clear gem. I thought it was precious. You said it meant little in your world. But in my hands, it held value. • Love in Contradiction We spent every day together. Wanting to share more, yet unable to. I took you into the water, and you coughed breathless on the shore. You took me onto the land, and carried me, sweating, on your back. I loved those moments. I loved that version of you. Yet it could never last. • Unreachable Wishes I knew these days would end someday. You said you could never take me to the land. I could never bring you to the sea. Our hearts aligned, but we could not coexist. If only we were birds in the sky, free from these worries. Through all seasons— spring, summer, autumn, winter— we could always be together. • The Ending of the Story I once thought flying like a bird was a luxury. I thought being together was enough. But even that wish was too much to ask. I wanted to keep you as mine. Was that thought naïve, or cruel? What ending suits our story? If there is a choice that leads us to a brighter future, I would choose it. Yet even imagining it leaves me weary. I am tired.