On a bright morning, a colorful peacock named Percy strutted through the forest. His feathers shimmered in the sunlight, showing off every shade of blue and green. Percy loved to flaunt his dazzling tail, and he often boasted to the other animals.

Nearby, in a quiet, serene pond, lived a crane named Clara. Clara was busy catching fish with her long, slender beak. She didn’t have bright feathers like Percy, but she was always cheerful and kind.

One day, Percy noticed Clara and decided to show off. “Look at me, Clara!” he called out. “Aren’t my feathers the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?”

Clara looked up from her fishing. “You do have lovely feathers, Percy,” she said with a smile. “But my wings are good for catching fish and flying long distances. They help me every day.”

Percy laughed. “Well, that’s nice and all, but who notices wings when they see feathers like mine? My feathers are the best!”

As Percy continued to boast, a strong wind began to blow through the forest. The wind was so strong that it started blowing away leaves and branches. Percy’s colorful feathers were ruffled and tangled, making him look very different from his usual self.

Clara, on the other hand, gracefully took flight, her wings working perfectly against the wind. She flew to a nearby tree and watched Percy struggling on the ground.

Seeing Percy in trouble, Clara flew down. “Need some help, Percy?”

Percy, feeling embarrassed, nodded. “Yes, please. I didn’t expect the wind to be this strong. My feathers are all messy now.”

Clara landed beside Percy and helped him out of the tangled mess. “Sometimes, being useful is more important than just looking pretty,” she said kindly.

Percy looked at Clara with a new understanding. “You’re right, Clara. I was so focused on my appearance that I forgot about being useful.”

As the wind calmed down, Percy and Clara walked together back to the pond. Percy was quieter now, reflecting on what Clara had said.

“I’ve learned something today,” Percy said. “Your wings help you in many ways, and my feathers, while beautiful, can’t always protect me from the wind.”

Clara smiled. “We all have our special qualities. It’s good to appreciate our own strengths and recognize the strengths of others too.”

Percy nodded, feeling grateful for Clara’s help and wisdom. “Thank you, Clara. I’ll try to be more like you – using my strengths to help others and not just showing off.”

Clara and Percy enjoyed a peaceful rest by the pond, appreciating the beauty of the world around them and the friendship they had found.

The lesson Percy learned was clear: while it’s wonderful to be admired for what you are, being truly useful and kind is what really matters in the end.