The Star Child

The Star Child

by Oscar Wilde

Once upon a time, two poor woodcutters were making their way home through a great pine forest. It was winter, and a bitter cold spread through the trees. As they trudged along, they suddenly saw a bright shooting star fall from the sky. They hurried to where it had landed, hoping to find something precious. To their astonishment, they found a little child wrapped in a golden cloak, lying among the trees.

The woodcutters were surprised and confused. One of them said, "We cannot leave this child here in the snow. We must take him home." And so, they did.

The child grew up to be beautiful beyond words. His face was radiant like the stars, and his eyes were the color of the sea. But despite his beauty, the Star Child was proud, selfish, and cruel. He treated the animals of the forest with disdain and mocked the poor people in the village. He thought he was above everyone because of his striking appearance.

One day, a beggar woman came to the village. Her clothes were tattered, and her face was tired. As she passed the Star Child, she cried out, "My child, my long-lost child! I am your mother. I have searched for you for many years."

But the Star Child laughed in her face. "How dare you say you are my mother? You are too ugly to be my kin." And he turned his back on her.

That very moment, the Star Child's beauty vanished. His golden hair turned to a dull gray, his skin became rough, and his bright eyes lost their sparkle. The villagers no longer admired him; they scorned him. Realizing his mistake, the Star Child left the village, determined to find his mother and beg for her forgiveness.

He wandered through the forests and across mountains, searching for the beggar woman. Along the way, he met others in need and, for the first time, felt kindness in his heart. He gave food to the hungry, helped the poor, and showed compassion wherever he went. But despite his good deeds, he could not find his mother.

One evening, after years of searching, he returned to the village. He was tired, ragged, and sad. To his surprise, the beggar woman was there waiting for him. With tears in his eyes, he fell at her feet and begged for forgiveness.

She smiled warmly at him and said, "You have found your heart. Now, you have found me."

At that moment, the Star Child's beauty returned, but this time, it was a beauty that came from within—a kindness that shone brighter than any star.

And from that day on, the Star Child lived with humility, treating others with the love and compassion he had once lacked.

The end.

This story teaches us that true beauty comes from kindness and compassion, not from outward appearances. It's a comforting reminder before going to sleep.