Cuckoo! A Heartwarming Fable of Family and Courage

Long ago, deep within the heart of a dense, enchanted forest known as Hill Woods—far away from the noisy hum of civilization—lived countless extraordinary creatures, each sharing the woodland in harmony and peace.

Yet, among these gentle beings, there was one who did not fit in—Cuckoo, a tiny bird with a dark and cunning heart. Despite her small size, her spirit was filled with malice, and her selfishness often led her to commit cruel deeds. If you listened closely, you’d find no heartbeat in her cold chest—so unkind and heartless was she that few ever trusted or liked her.

One spring, during the mating season, Cuckoo prepared to lay her eggs. But she was unbearably lazy. The thought of sitting patiently on her eggs, warming and protecting them, was far too exhausting. Instead, she schemed for an easier way—one that would require little effort on her part but leave the hard work to someone else.

Her eyes caught sight of a nearby nest. It belonged to the sweet and diligent Warbler, a little bird beloved by all in Hill Woods. Warbler was known for her kindness and gentle nature, always busy collecting food and caring for her own eggs.

Cuckoo, knowing Warbler’s good heart, decided to exploit her trust. The nest was empty, as Warbler had gone to gather berries. Seizing the moment, Cuckoo callously pushed Warbler’s precious eggs from the nest, watching them smash on the forest floor with a sickening crack.

Without hesitation, she laid her own eggs in the now-empty nest and flew away, smiling wickedly. Her plan was foolproof—Warbler would unknowingly raise cuckoo chicks as her own, while Cuckoo escaped all responsibility.

When Warbler returned, her heart shattered as she saw her eggs broken on the ground. Yet, nestled in her nest were five strange eggs that were not hers.

Months passed, and the baby cuckoos hatched and grew under Warbler’s loving care. But something felt strange to them. They looked nothing like Warbler, who they had come to love as their mother.

One day, one brave chick finally spoke up, “Mother, why do we look so different from you?”

Warbler sighed, her feathers ruffling as she prepared to reveal a painful truth. “My dear children,” she said softly, “I am not your biological mother.”

Shock rippled through the young birds. “What do you mean?” they asked in disbelief.

“I found you in my nest one day, abandoned and cold,” Warbler explained. “Though you were not mine by birth, I could not leave you alone. So, I made a choice to raise you as my own, hoping for happiness and love despite the truth.”

Tears welled in her eyes, but the young cuckoos smiled warmly. “Mother,” they chirped, “we are grateful you saved us. You loved and cared for us when no one else would. You are our true family.”

Warbler wept with joy, feeling the unbreakable bond between them.

Suddenly, a shadowy voice interrupted. “Long time no see, my darlings,” called Cuckoo, striding toward the nest with a cruel smile.

“I’ve come for my children,” she declared.

The young birds pulled closer to Warbler protectively, suspicious of this stranger who looked like an older version of themselves.

“Wrong nest,” one chirped boldly.

Cuckoo laughed darkly. “How rude! It seems your parenting leaves much to be desired. Under my guidance, you would learn the ways of brood parasites like me!”

Warbler stepped forward, shielding the young ones with outstretched wings. “You abandoned them,” she said firmly. “I won’t let you take them away.”

Without warning, Cuckoo attacked Warbler, pecking viciously and causing her to fall injured near the edge of the nest.

“Now, children,” Cuckoo hissed, “watch how we Cuckoos knock eggs from other nests!”

The young birds gasped as they saw Warbler being dragged toward the brink. Fearing for her life, they united in a fierce defense, charging at Cuckoo and forcing her to drop their mother safely back into the nest.

Furious, Cuckoo screamed, “I’ll kill her! I’ll kill you all! You’ll have no mother but me!”

But the young cuckoos stood strong. “You were never our mother,” they said, tackling her and breaking her wings.

Screaming in defeat, Cuckoo was carried off the nest and disappeared into the forest.

With Warbler’s wounds healing quickly under the devoted care of her children, the family was stronger than ever.

Together, they thrived in Hill Woods—proof that love and loyalty are what truly make a family.

Moral of the story:

True family is not just about blood—it’s about love, care, and standing together through hardships.