Priya's Sparkling Courage

Priya, a seven-year-old Mumbai girl with bright eyes and a cascade of dark curls, was famously fussy. She wouldn't eat anything green, wouldn't walk past stray dogs, and certainly wouldn't speak to anyone new. Her Amma, a kind woman with warm hands and a patient smile, decided it was time for a change.

One sunny afternoon, Amma took Priya to the vibrant Crawford Market. "Look, Priya," Amma said, pointing to a lively parrot, "See how brave it is?" Priya hid behind her Amma. Amma then showed Priya how to carefully choose the freshest mangoes, her actions showing bravery in navigating the crowded market. Later, they helped an old woman carry her shopping bags. Priya, initially hesitant, felt a warmth spread through her as she helped.

Back home, Priya told her friends, Maya and Seema, about her day. They were initially hesitant about their own fears. Slowly, Priya encouraged them to face their small fears one by one— Maya started feeding the neighborhood cat, Seema took a solo bike ride. With each success, their confidence bloomed. Priya discovered that facing fear, even small, everyday fears, felt like a sparkling burst, so much brighter than staying safe. Soon, they were exploring the local park with confidence.