Alan floated quietly, his multicolored sparkling skin catching the light like a rainbow. The other axolotls giggled as they pointed at him.
"Look at Alan's funny colors,"
The laughter echoed around like bubbles rising to the surface. Alan felt his heart sink, wishing he could blend in.
Alan settled onto a rock, sighing deeply.
"Why can't I be like everyone else?"
He whispered to himself, watching the light play across his skin. His heart felt as heavy as the stones lining the cave floor.
Lila, a kind and confident axolotl, noticed Alan's absence and swam over to him.
"Hi, Alan,"
Her eyes warm and understanding.
"Why are you hiding here?"
Alan hesitated, but something about Lila's presence made him feel safe.
"They made fun of my skin,"
He admitted. Lila nodded knowingly.
"I think your skin is beautiful. It's like wearing a piece of the rainbow!"
Lila gently nudged Alan.
"Let's show everyone how amazing you are. We can hold a festival right here in the lagoon and celebrate each axolotl's beautiful colors,"
She suggested enthusiastically. Alan felt a flicker of hope.
"Do you really think they'd like it?"
"Absolutely,"
Lila replied with a grin.
"Your colors are a gift, and it's time everyone sees that."
With Lila's help, Alan spent the next few days preparing for the festival. They hung decorations, and word spread quickly about the upcoming celebration. On the day of the festival, the lagoon was filled with axolotls, all eager to see the show or show off their colors.
Five other axolotls each took their turn to display their unique coloring. When it was his turn, Alan took a deep breath and swam to the center of the lagoon. As the light hit his skin, it exploded into a cascade of colors, each shade more brilliant than the last.
"Wow!"
The axolotls gasped in unison, their eyes wide with admiration. Alan beamed with pride, finally feeling the warmth of acceptance. Lila swam beside him, her heart swelling with joy at the sight of her friend's transformation.
"We're really sorry for making fun of you, Alan,"
One axolotl said, looking down at the sandy bottom.
"We didn't realize how special your colors are until today."
Alan smiled gently at them.
"Thank you. I believe that all creatures should appreciate the skin God gave them. It's what makes us unique!"
From that day on, the axolotls celebrated their differences together, becoming closer friends.
