The Day a New Sound Came to the Hollow

After a storm, Mother Owl brought a lost myna nestling to rest in a soft basket. The baby chirped every few moments. Hookhook was excited to help, but the new sound filled the little drawing corner.

Hookhook carried soft cloth, passed Mother a water cup, and watched carefully. But each time drawing began, the nestling chirped again. Hookhook flapped in frustration and immediately felt guilty for not acting like a perfectly kind helper.

Mother Owl said, “Love and annoyance can arrive together.” They made a schedule: a wing card for helping, a pencil card for private time, and an ear card for asking Mother to take over when the sound felt too much.

During pencil-card time, Hookhook drew on a quiet branch while Mother cared for the baby. When the wing card came, Hookhook returned to help change the cloth and hum softly, now with more willingness.

Two days later, a wildlife carer returned the nestling to a safe nest. The hollow became quiet again. Hookhook missed the tiny chirps a little and also welcomed the silence. Both feelings were equally real.

We can care about someone and still need time alone. Two different feelings may both be true.