The queen stroked her daughter gently and said-
“The time has come, dear. You will soon be crowned the princess of Atoll. I am sure that you have been advised by almost everyone in the reef, about the ceremony and the schedule. But I want to give you what was handed down to me- the experience of the earlier generations, along with my personal additions. Keep it with you and read it when you can. It may differ to what you have grown to see and know, but experience counts; so may the scroll that has been my companion all through these years, be your guide. Having said that, make your own memories and add on to it what you learn.”
When the young princess finally got some time to herself, she went through her mother’s gift. It had many sections on the various life forms. She skimmed through a few-
‘I grew up learning that octopuses are sneaky creatures, that they are very sly and it is best to keep away from them.
But I have seen that they are the most intelligent creatures that I have come across. They are great thinkers, problem solvers and work well together.‘
‘The puffers have no scales, they are unlike the others of their kind, but their differences are what makes them stronger.
Slugs look like they are too meek and vulnerable, but they can take the bane from their prey and use it for their own defense.‘
‘Looks can be deceiving.
The crabs here look like they are always feeding on us and the sea star seems to be just sitting there. But you know who is harming us and who is not.
The beautiful shoals that are always around are here only for shelter and food, whereas the intimidating looking wrasses help us from our predators.‘
She then came to the end where her mother had addressed her personally-
‘Dearest Cay,
I am proud of you and you have brought me much joy. Remember to always be calm as the ocean. The deeper it is, the more calm it looks.
Do not assume. And do not be confined to what you have been defined as. What’s in a name? Stars, clowns. Names may be given on how we look. The name does not define you. Make a name for yourself in what you are best at.
Live in harmony. Never forget to live your life- learning, giving. Life has its joys and sorrows. If you are always dwelling on the difficulties, you will miss out on the moments of delight.
Everyone exists but hardly anyone is ever alive.‘
