The Confident Butterfly
Synopsis:
Common Place is the home to many caterpillars and is ruled by Commander Critic, who prohibits growth and change. One rebellious caterpillar is about to change everything they know. Natalie embarks on a forbidden journey where she embraces her own identity, discovers the truth that has been hidden from her people, and realizes her destiny. She faces many hardships that develop her character, and she must challenge everyone’s long-held beliefs.
*********************************************************************************
Common Place is the home to many caterpillars. It lies in a quiet valley under the protection of a tall oak tree. It is indeed a common little city where nothing much happens, and no great accomplishments ever take place. The only thing any caterpillar strives for is being average, comfortable, and safe. Change is absolutely forbidden.
Natalie sat day-dreaming at the edge of her favorite cliff. Beyond the safety of her home, she saw the river caressing the sweet earth below and the mountains joining the sky like lost lovers from a different world.
The wild colors of sunset romanced the dark colors of night. Tangy pink taffy melted into orange sherbert that drizzled across chocolate mountains. Then the wild stain vanished into a canvas of blinking stars.
As if to reinforce her situation, she glimpsed upon the border signs flanking tall bushes.
Commander Critic, the ruler of their people, arrested caterpillars for even thinking of exploring the other side. She, herself, was in violation of the laws just for coming to the edge of the city where she wrote her poetry and short stories filled with adventure.
Arriving home, Natalie was immediately scolded by her mother. “Have you been up there again scribbling nonsense in your journals? Your father and brother were out gathering leaves for dinner, and you were nowhere to be found!”
Plates clanked loudly as Mamma continued setting the table. No more than a breath passed when she added, “You’ll never be anyone important, Natalie. I don’t know why you’re so delusional in who you think you really are.”
The words stung deep within Natalie’s heart. She could feel the warmth of tears, but blinked them away. She forgave her mother for the comments. Mamma was only repeating generations of belief that infiltrated every mind within her city.
At dinner she quietly munched her leaves. It was best not to argue. She knew her voice wouldn’t be heard, her love of adventure never understood nor accepted. Then she went to bed.
For years Natalie was told her dreams were too big and she’d never reach them, that her stories were unrealistic, and she needed to stay focused on reality. Her peers thought she was a snob; her teachers thought she was a foolish day-dreamer. One teacher, Mr. Foland, actually wrote that on her homework on several occasions and took extra points off. She was even labeled a trouble-maker.
Last year, when they found out about her journals, she was called into Commander Critic’s office and told she couldn’t write her adventure stories because young, impressionable minds may read them and want to leave the city and go on their own adventures. They may be encouraged to break other laws and could lead to total anarchy.
She was tired of the small life she lived; tired of the small future she envisioned. She knew if she stayed, the sun of her spirit that warmed her dream would no longer shine. The buds of hope would become cold and black with death. And without that dream, she would succumb to the same fate.
Natalie began devising her plan.
As the sun rose, so did Natalie’s spirits. Today she was graduating. She packed her journals because she was about to embark on the biggest adventure of her life.
After receiving her diploma, Commander Critic gave his yearly speech.
“Now that you’ve all graduated,” his monotone voice resonated through the megaphone, “I’m reminding you to stay within the city. This is for your own safety, of course. After all, the unknown is scary and very dangerous. Those signs are there to remind you of how good your life is here.” Critic smiled. “Enjoy your new lives as leaf-gatherers!”
Everyone was cheering and clapping at his moving speech. It was good to be reminded just how good it was to be in Common Place and to be reminded of who you were.
Natalie looked at the crowd in disbelief. It fueled her desire to leave all the more. Slowly she backed away from her graduating class and headed toward the restricted zone.
Her heart pounded with fear and excitement. The sign, YOU MAY BE EATEN, towered over her. She could hear Critic’s voice in her head, After all, the unknown is scary and very dangerous.
“Oh, shut up!” Natalie yelled. “You’ve never left the city. What would you know?”
The adventure seemed fun until she encountered the dense thicket of branches where only tiny slivers of light penetrated the shadows. Squeezing her way through the crazy madness of branches, undergrowth, and rocks that impeded her path, she soon lost direction.
Her mind, racing with confusion and fear, screamed, Go back! Turn around and go back! She wanted to cry, to turn and run home, but what direction was home? She should have trusted the signs. She should have trusted the Commander because he always knew what was best.
Now she was lost, and no one knew where to look for her, and even if they did, no one would dare enter the forbidden zone to rescue her. Maybe there was no other side of this maddening maze, that this was all there was—a labyrinth of lies that summoned her to what she thought was a better future. The unknown really was scary. She found herself longing for the comfortable misery of her old life.
I failed, she thought. The pain of failure reminded her of her mother’s words. Wanting to prove everyone who ever doubted her wrong, she only ended up setting herself up for a long fall. Her hopes dashed, she sat on a branch and wept.
Then the shadows shifted, and light appeared ahead. The branches were thinning, which meant she was almost through. She was going to make it! With renewed energy she dove through the challenges before her and found herself in a beautiful, green field. Leafy stalks crowned with lavender blooms danced joyfully, spilling their scent into the afternoon breeze.
She climbed the tallest stalk for a better view, then sat contently on a leaf, her theater to nature, watching the sky. The invisible brush touched the heavens, transforming downy clouds into cotton candy floating in a scarlet-tinted masterpiece.
With the fading light, Natalie grabbed some leaves and spotted a hollow log for shelter. She ate, quickly settled in, covered herself with a leaf, and fell asleep.
Steady rain and wind jolted her from a peaceful sleep. The eerie wind screamed at the night. Natalie felt alone and afraid. She was wet from the rain trickling in. Shivering, she curled into a ball under the protection of the leaf and eventually fell back asleep.
Gray light peeked beneath the leaf and woke Natalie. Although the rain had stopped, clouds hung low in the air. Chewing her leafy breakfast, she surveyed the land ahead and proceeded to explore the river.
She saw the worms surface in light of the rain and realized the danger—the birds would be coming. Indeed, she may be eaten! Fear sliced through her veins like razors. She had to get back to the log where she would be protected. Then a bird dove from the sky straight for her. She couldn’t move; she couldn’t breathe.
The beak opened inches from her wide, frightful eyes. She was about to scream. Something grabbed her and lifted her into the air. Then she did scream.
Up, down, zigzagging through the air she went. Natalie could hear the feathers of the bird behind her come closer, then fade in the distance. She was then lowered to the ground where she thought she was going to be ill.
“Are you nuts? You nearly got eaten! What were you thinking?” a female voice shrieked.
Craning her head, Natalie looked upon the most awe-inspiring creature she’d ever seen. Delicate golden wings speckled with flecks of cinnamon spanned from her slender frame and fluttered gracefully. She was unlike any flying creature Natalie had ever seen.
“What are you?” Wide eyes displayed fear and wonder.
“I’m a butterfly. Haven’t you ever seen a butterfly?”
“No.” Natalie was still hesitant about the creature’s intentions. Was it going to try to eat her, too?
Black eyes blinked inquisitively at Natalie. “But how come you’ve never seen a butterfly before when you’re a caterpillar?”
“There are no butterflies where I come from.” What did being a caterpillar have to do with seeing butterflies, Natalie thought?
“How can that be? All caterpillars are destined to become butterflies.”
Natalie didn’t believe her. “You were just like me once?” She laughed.
“Yes. Then I changed,” she said joyfully. “The Queen says it’s our destiny.”
“But how’s that possible?”
“Why shouldn’t it be? Everything you need to become what you really are is already inside you. It just needs to be developed and for you to believe.”
“Commander Critic always tells us we’ll never be anything more than what we already are and to accept our chosen destiny—caterpillars and leaf gatherers.”
“If you had to stay however you were born, that would be a sad, meaningless existence! No, you can always change. You just have to make a choice. This Commander,” she scoffed at the word, “is wrong.”
Perplexed, Natalie looked at the butterfly and didn’t know what to say.
“What are you doing out here?” the butterfly asked.
“I left home.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I had to leave. I didn’t belong there. Mamma didn’t believe in me. I had no friends. My teachers didn’t even like me. I wasn’t supposed to write my stories and poetry and explore my own dreams. We couldn’t leave the city because it was against the law.”
Natalie looked at the butterfly’s wings and continued, “I just knew I wanted more—was capable of more—and if I stayed, I wouldn’t be happy.” Then she grew sad. “Why would Commander not tell us about butterflies?”
“Wow! That sounds like a really unhappy place to live. I’m not sure why someone wouldn’t tell you about being a butterfly, but you’re brave for leaving everything you know behind to discover who you are and find your future. By the way, I never got your name. Mine’s Goldie.”
“Natalie.”
“How old are you, Natalie?”
“Seventeen.”
“That’s a long time to stay someone you’re not.” Just then, Goldie had a wonderful idea. “Do you want to come with me to Destiny?” Her wings flapped with excitement.
“What’s Destiny?”
“It’s where I’m from. It’s where you can become a butterfly! In fact, we’re having a Chrysalis Ceremony at noon today.”
Goldie flew Natalie across the river toward Destiny. At first Natalie closed her eyes and held on tightly until she felt the exhilarating freedom of flight. She opened her eyes. The view was spectacular. Sparkles skipped upon the cool water below. The large purple carpet of flowers stretched to the river and to the mountains all around.
She couldn’t wait to get her own wings and fly. She was already envisioning what color they would be and where she would explore.
Upon reaching the city, the air came alive with fluttering colors. Natalie saw both caterpillars and butterflies as Goldie flew toward a tall tree in the middle of Destiny. She landed at its base where several were gathering and preparing for the ritual.
Natalie was in awe of the beauty surrounding the event. Wind chimes sang in a gentle breeze; crystals dangled from low-hanging branches casting rainbows. Butterflies strummed instruments, releasing a delightful melody.
The atmosphere was energized with excitement as ten young caterpillars arranged themselves in the ceremonial line at the right of the base of the tree. To the left, food was being prepared for the Celebration of Transformation feast. In the middle of the activity lay a large cranberry-colored glass tube.
“That’s the Chrysalis Chamber,” Goldie exclaimed excitedly. “After the ceremony, we’ll speak to the Queen about your transformation.”
The light shifted as the Queen promptly glided in on large amethyst-colored wings. Warm rays of the sun glinted upon the glass, causing the Chamber to glow. Inside, the warmth released the magic of Chrysalis.
“Let the ceremony begin!” the Queen instructed.
One by one the caterpillars entered the small opening and disappeared into the Chamber. Natalie watched with anticipation as each exited the other side as a butterfly. As each butterfly joined the others, Natalie heard their excited whispers of joy.
She could hardly contain her enthusiasm to experience her own transformation.
After all the new butterflies were gathered, the Queen joined them to speak a final blessing. “Today you are new creatures with an incredible future filled with dreams and hopes. You're no longer bound to the earth. Now you can soar to wherever your spirit leads you. Let your dreams be your guiding spirits as you continue to grow and develop and explore the world around you. Congratulations on your first step to becoming everything you know you can become.”
Mesmerized by the Queen’s inspiring words, Natalie began to cry as she felt her wings stirring within her. She wished everyone in Common Place
Butterflies flew high into the air like wild confetti as everyone headed toward the great feast leaving the Queen, who was always the last to join. Goldie chose this moment to speak to her.
“Your Majesty, Natalie’s missed her deadline to change and she needs to be admitted to the Chrysalis Chamber.” Goldie pleaded.
The Queen was curious. “What’s the reason your transformation hasn’t taken place, Natalie?”
“No one in my city ever told us we’re supposed to change.”
“You’re not from Destiny?”
“No. I’m from Common Place
“So your leader lied to the inhabitants of Common Place
Natalie thought about her question and didn’t know the answer herself. “I don’t know if he lied or doesn’t know himself.”
“There are no butterflies in Common Place
“No, just caterpillars.”
“Very strange. I’ve never heard of this happening before. How did you happen upon this knowledge about butterflies, then?”
“I left my home to go on a great adventure, and that’s when I met Goldie.” She pointed to her friend. “She told me everything. She told me I had to come here so that I could become a butterfly.”
The Queen thought for a long moment before asking, “Why did you leave your home?”
Natalie shared with the Queen what her life was like at home.
“How old are you, Natalie?”
“Seventeen.”
“I’m sorry. You’re too old, and you haven’t been indoctrinated with our beliefs. Therefore, the Chrysalis Chamber’s magic will not transform you,” the Queen stated. She bowed her head, “I can’t help you.” She turned to fly toward the party.
Natalie stood flabbergasted; she could feel her heart breaking. This couldn’t be happening! She had to do something before all was lost to her.
“Wait!” Natalie shouted at the Queen before she could leave.
The Queen was surprised by the insistent command and turned back.
“Excuse me, Your Majesty, but do you know me?”
“You know that we’ve just met,” she answered calmly.
“Then how do you know what I’m capable of? How do you know who I really am?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “I’ve been told my whole life who I’m supposed to be, what to think, that my dreams are unachievable, that I’m a nobody. I chose to leave that life behind and find my own answers for my dreams.
“In the process I’ve been terrified, gotten lost, and nearly eaten by a bird. But I believed my dreams were bigger than my fears and my challenges, and I kept going. Then I learned the truth about myself, and now I’m being denied that truth? I disagree, Your Majesty. I know I’m a butterfly.”
Something remarkable began to happen with that statement. Her body began to glow. The Queen’s eyes widened with disbelief as Goldie slowly backed away.
“I know who I am, and I know my true destiny.” Her tears verified her determination for her dreams. “I will have my wings. No more limitations will be placed on my life.” She believed nothing less for herself. Pure, glittering light burst forth from her and radiated outward. Goldie and the Queen shielded their eyes.
Natalie felt tingly as the energy engulfed her. It started from her heart, spread down her arms and legs until the light exploded from her fingers and toes. The world fell away as she surrendered to the sensation of floating. The light was peaceful, warm, and exhilarating. She wanted to stay in that light forever.
When the light dissipated, the energy still lingered. The Queen looked up, blinked, and was amazed by what she saw.
Natalie felt the weight of something unfold from her back. She felt strange, disoriented, dizzy. Natalie looked toward the Queen and was confused by the look upon her face.
“Have a look in the crystal.” The Queen gestured.
With unfamiliar legs, she made her way to a crystal behind the Queen. She was mystified by what the reflection showed—an amazing butterfly with electric blue wings. She had changed! The release of her limitations had released the wings locked inside her.
“But, how . . . ?” Natalie asked the Queen. Tears of joy ran down her face.
“Because it was your heart’s desire. Your desire released the Chrysalis magic within yourself.”
“But you told me I was too old. I didn’t even enter the Chrysalis Chamber.”
“You believed in yourself so much that you found your wings,” the Queen declared. “The Chrysalis Chamber doesn’t really change you into a butterfly.”
The Queen went on to explain that many generations ago, the Chamber was a meeting place where the transformation would be held. It was a ritual that morphed into a belief that it was the only way one could change into a butterfly.
“The previous Queens and I chose to keep the belief alive because it’s surrounded with celebration, and it keeps the original ritual within our culture. The citizens of Destiny don’t realize they are responsible for their own transformation, not the device.
“I didn’t think the Chamber would work for you because I honestly didn’t believe you were capable of the change due to your age and your lack of understanding. You were long past the metamorphic stage in your life. I was wrong.
“You chose to believe in yourself rather than let others influence you into what you should believe. That takes courage. You’re truly a miracle, Natalie. I’m honored to have met such a confident butterfly as yourself.” And then, bestowing the highest honor she could upon her, The Queen bowed to Natalie.
Natalie pondered her statement for a moment. “I don’t think anyone’s ever past the metamorphic stage in their life. Everyone continues to change in their own time when they’re ready.”
Then she suggested, “You should tell the inhabitants of Destiny that they’re responsible for their transformation. I believe it would give more meaning to the process of change if they knew they held the key to the power inside them. What do you think, Goldie?”
Goldie, who was still in awe over what had just transpired and the knowledge behind the Chrysalis Chamber, dazedly replied, “I agree with Natalie. To know that I was in control of my own transformation is life-changing. If you still want to keep the ritual, you don’t have to tell the caterpillars until after they make the change. But if you don’t tell them, then you’re being as manipulative as Natalie’s leader is to her people.”
“I’ll consider what we’ve talked about here today.” The Queen turned toward Natalie. “What are your plans? Will you stay here in Destiny?”
“No. As I said before, I have a special mission of my own. I’m going back home to share my discovery. They deserve to know the truth.”
“Even after the way they treated you?” Goldie was astonished.
“Yes. It’s not their fault. They’re just regurgitating what they’ve been told. Their foundation for their existence was built on false beliefs. Maybe if they know the truth about who and what they are, it will change them and make them better.”
“I think it’s a wonderful mission,” the Queen agreed. “It takes someone with a lot of love in their heart to want to help those who’ve persecuted them.”
“If you don’t mind, Your Majesty, I may need some reinforcements to help prove my case.”
“I can send some butterflies with you.”
“And . . . ” Natalie turned to Goldie, “I’d like to take my friend with me. I’m going to need some help in my new job.”
“You consider me your friend?”
“I think saving someone else’s life while risking your own qualifies you as a friend. You told me the truth and brought me to where I needed to be. You’re the one who gave me the belief of what I could be that changed me into who I was meant to be.”
Goldie sniffed back her tears. “Yes! I’d love to come and help you,” she answered excitedly.
Then the three of them joined the feast, and Natalie was introduced to the sweet taste of nectar.
That night Natalie wrote in her journal, this time with more passion because it wasn’t just a story; it was about an experience.
Dawn’s light spilled pink love across the wakening sky as Natalie, Goldie, and several other butterflies prepared for their journey to Common Place
Natalie flew erratically as she danced upon heaven’s breath. She didn’t care how ridiculous she may have looked. Flying was more invigorating than she could’ve imagined.
Just before reaching home, Natalie had the butterflies wait at the restricted zone on the bushes where her adventure had begun so the caterpillars wouldn’t be alarmed. Then she landed in front of Commander Critic’s residence in the common square. As expected, caterpillars scattered in fear.
Remembering how she felt when she first saw Goldie, Natalie was quick to reassure them. “It’s okay. I’m not going to harm you. It’s me, Natalie.” The frightened caterpillars weren’t responsive. They continued to duck and hide behind the landscape for protection.
Natalie scanned the square for her mother and found her at her favorite little shop. She was about to say something to her when Commander Critic entered the square.
“You have no business here, flying creature. Fly away now. Fly away!” he demanded with his usual arrogant tone and shooing gestures.
Ignoring him, Natalie strived to get her mother’s attention. “Mamma!” she called. “It’s me, Natalie.”
Mamma recognized the voice calling her, went to find her daughter, and discovered her voice was coming from the direction of the flying thing.
“Mamma, it’s me.”
Mamma looked upon her daughter with fear.
Natalie gathered all her courage and raised her voice to address everyone within earshot. “As some of you know, I left the city and went into the restricted zone.” Everyone gasped. “I went on an incredible journey and learned the truth about what caterpillars are supposed to become. We’re more than just leaf-eaters.” Natalie turned toward Critic, her hands on her hips. “Like he wants you to believe. We transform into beautiful creatures who possess the miracle of flight. We’re meant to be butterflies—like I am now.”
Natalie went on to describe her journey and what she discovered in the city of Destiny
“I brought my friend, Goldie, and some other butterflies with me so that you can see that all caterpillars can make this amazing transformation. Don’t be afraid.” Following her instruction, the other butterflies settled next to Natalie a few at a time so the caterpillars wouldn’t be overwhelmed.
Then a young boy caterpillar asked the same question Natalie had asked Goldie, “How can this be possible? How can a creature turn into something entirely different?”
“What’s your name?” Natalie inquired.
“Timmy.”
“Timmy, don’t judge yourself by your appearance,” Natalie explained, then addressed the crowd, “You look at yourself and all you see is a caterpillar, an image someone told you to believe. You need to see yourself through your potential.”
Timmy became so excited he began to glow, then burst into brilliant light. Stunned caterpillars gazed upon a butterfly with fiery-orange wings joyously skipping through the air.
“See? Transformation is real. The perception you have about yourself is wrong because it was built on a lie.” Natalie sought Critic and found him cowering where he’d stopped rolling. “And why, may I ask, have we been lied to about what we really are?”
Everyone turned and glared at Commander Critic until he surrendered the history of Common Place
Change was discouraged because the Commander saw not everyone was equal and felt the perceived inequality created a feeling of inferiority among some of the caterpillars. The butterflies were removed from the village; the truth about transformation was hidden to promote peace, harmony and unity among the inhabitants. All books, artwork, and knowledge were destroyed. Only the Commander knew the truth about the past to ensure the past remained hidden and the new beliefs were enforced.
The Queen was horrified by what she heard.
Natalie was outraged. “So everything we’ve built our new lives on has been based on a lie? On a decision of a few people imprisoned by something that happened long ago?” Natalie questioned the logic. “Everyone has gifts and talents; therefore, no one is better or deemed less than another. We were meant to grow and evolve, not stay the same.
“No one benefits by being small in their ideas and dreams. Everyone has a right to their own goals and aspirations and not have someone dictate to them that those dreams are impossible or against the law. Look at the damage that’s been done to our culture, to ourselves.”
Commander Critic kept silent, fearing what the butterflies would do if he spoke.
“I’ve come home to share with you what I’ve learned and to help you all evolve into butterflies.”
Within days, Natalie and Goldie opened their new business, Discover Your Wings, a coaching and mentoring service for assisting caterpillars and butterflies along in their journey. In the beginning it was difficult to break the old patterns of thought, but once more caterpillars began changing, the transformations became easier.
One afternoon Mr. Foland, the teacher who had punished Natalie for her imagination, fluttered in. “I hear you’re about to publish your writings,” he said in a soft tone while looking at the floor.
“Yes, as well as a new book.”
“I—um—I think I owe you an apology for the things I did,” he fumbled his words.
Natalie was taken aback by the unexpected words.
“I think you have great talent,” he continued, “and I’d like to be your editor if that would be alright with you.”
A smile from Natalie indicated that she accepted his apology and liked the idea. They sat over lunch and discussed her projects while his constructive comments added valuable insight to her plots.
Her mother became her biggest fan and did all her book printing and promotions.
“Ambassador Natalie!” Timmy was so excited he nearly flew into her.
“Timmy, please don’t call me that. My name is Natalie.” Natalie hated titles. She thought they got in the way and over-inflated egos. “What is it, Timmy?”
“Your new book, A Journey to Destiny, just arrived! The Queen of Destiny is requesting copies and is inviting you as a guest speaker.”
Her adventure stories, poems, and self-help books influenced young minds and began transforming the culture. And they didn’t lead to anarchy.
Because Natalie didn’t let Commander Critic or her own fears stop her, she influenced both her home and Destiny. The Queen saw the potential damage that could be done to her city by keeping her own secrets. Power shouldn’t include control and manipulation. She decided to tell both caterpillars and butterflies about the real Chrysalis magic, although they still use the ritual meeting place.
Commander Critic, who chose to remain a caterpillar, continues his beliefs and tries to instill them upon everyone, but Natalie’s gentle encouragement is louder than Critic’s pessimism.
Reviews and Current News
To purchase a copy of the book amazon
0 comments:
Post a Comment