The little Crow sat silently, his heart heavy with sorrow, watching the bright red cardinals dart playfully and the shining blue jays preen their iridescent feathers. "Why am I such an ugly bird?" he thought, his plain black plumage feeling like a curse amid the forest's vivid beauty. Feeling utterly miserable, he decided to hide away, flapping his wings heavily as he flew to the forest's edge and landed on the roof of a strange, cozy little house, concealed by the shadowy chimney where he finally broke down in quiet sobs.
The door creaked open, and out stepped the Wise Magician, his ancient eyes twinkling with understanding of all animal tongues, drawn by the soft cries from above. He looked up kindly and called, "Little bird, why are you crying so sadly on my roof? Tell me your troubles, and perhaps I can offer some wisdom or aid from my magical arts." The Crow fluttered down to the weathered fence, sniffling deeply. "Why wouldn't I cry? I am just a plain crow with a scratchy voice that no one likes, feathers as black as coal, and I'm the most boring bird in the world—everyone shuns me while the beautiful ones are admired everywhere they go."
The Wise Magician rubbed his chin thoughtfully before speaking. "I can help you, little one. I will grant you one wish to change into any bird you desire forever—but remember the catch: once transformed, the magic is permanent, and you can never, ever return to being a crow, no matter how much you might regret it later in life." The Crow's eyes widened with sudden joy, not hesitating for a moment. "I know exactly what I want! I wish to become a beautiful parrot with those bright green feathers and a striking red beak—everyone loves parrots, and they'll finally accept me!" But the Magician smiled gently, raising a finger. "Before I cast the spell, go find a parrot and ask if it's truly as wonderful as you imagine being one—then return with your final decision, my friend."
Agreeing eagerly, the Crow flew off and soon found a bright green parrot on a mango branch, excitedly sharing the magician's offer. "I'm going to be just like you—a stunning parrot that everyone adores!" To his surprise, the parrot sighed heavily. "If you have such a magical wish, why settle for being a mere parrot like me? Look at the peacock instead—his magnificent tail of shimmering blues and greens puts my plain wings to shame; I envy him day and night, dreaming of that splendor while I'm stuck here with nothing but these ordinary feathers." Thrilled by the idea, the Crow raced back. "Mr. Magician, I've changed my mind after talking to the parrot! Now I want to become the most majestic peacock in the world, with a tail that dazzles everyone!"
The Wise Magician raised an eyebrow calmly. "Are you absolutely sure? Let's not rush this—fly off, find a peacock, and ask if their life is truly as grand as it appears from afar, then come back only when you're certain beyond doubt." Undeterred, the Crow ventured into the city zoo, squeezing through the bars to land beside the magnificent Peacock. "I'm using my wish to become a peacock just like you—so proud and beautiful!" The Peacock turned with eyes full of regret. "Look at me closely, little crow—trapped forever in this metal prison because of these very feathers that draw human crowds. They gawk, they cheer, but they pluck my plumes for souvenirs, leaving me miserable and longing for the wild freedom I once knew; beauty like this is my curse, not my blessing."
Stunned, the Crow asked curiously, "If you had the Wise Magician's wish, what bird would you become instead?" The Peacock replied instantly with a warm smile. "I'd wish to be a crow without hesitation—crows aren't caged in zoos or stripped of feathers; you soar freely to the clouds, exploring wherever you please, unburdened by envy or captivity, trading all my so-called beauty for even one day of your glorious liberty." As the Crow flew homeward, a profound realization dawned, the rush of air through his wings feeling like pure joy for the first time.
The Crow landed on the roof once more, heart light. The Wise Magician emerged, wand at the ready. "Are you ready for your wish at last, little friend? Speak it, and the magic shall flow eternally." The Crow stood tall, voice steady with pride. "No, I don't want the wish anymore—I cherish my life as a crow more than any other. Thank you from the depths of my heart for guiding me to see the freedom and joy I already possess, the greatest gift of all." From then on, the Crow flew higher than ever, never comparing himself again, embracing his true self amid the forest's symphony.
