The young man climbed the grassy hill. Behind him, a little boy stumbled along, holding a crust of bread. It fell from his hand and rolled into the dirt.
A bluebird swooped down and snatched the bread in mid-air. The boy gasped and looked up at the young man for help.
The young man called softly, "Dear bird, please return the bread." The bluebird tilted its head, then fluttered toward a tall oak tree. A few followers came to watch.
He reached the oak tree. The bird sat on a branch with crumbs scattered below. The young man offered a handful of seeds from his pocket.
The bluebird hopped closer, then zipped away! The young man sighed and turned around.
A warm wind blew through the leaves. The bluebird fluttered back and dropped the bread into the little boy's open hands. "Thank you," whispered the young man.
The boy clutched his bread and beamed. The young man patted his shoulder and led him back toward the others waiting below.
The followers sat in a circle on the soft green grass. The young man stepped into the middle and spoke gentle words to everyone.
The young man broke a loaf of bread and handed a piece to the little boy. The boy's eyes grew wide with joy.
Sunlight painted golden patterns on the grass as the young man smiled and spoke kind words about love and peace.
One by one, the followers shared their bread. Laughter rose softly among the trees as everyone ate together in the warm afternoon light.
The young man looked out over the peaceful hillside. The boy stayed close, his bread safe, his heart full of wonder.
