In the heart of Kole village lived a little girl named Kela. She had big curious eyes that sparkled like the evening stars, and her laughter echoed through the winding paths of her village. Kela had a secret passion that filled her heart with joy—she loved to dance.
Every day after finishing her chores of gathering firewood and helping her grandmother with cooking, Kela would steal away to her favourite spot by the river and let her feet draw pictures in the soft soil.
One sunny afternoon, as Kela danced joyfully, she noticed a pair of curious eyes peering at her through the bushes. It was Simba, a playful lion cub from the nearby village.
“You dance beautifully, Kela!” Simba exclaimed, coming out shyly from his hideout.
Kela blushed and giggled. “Thank you, Simba! Do you like to dance too?”
Simba shook his head. “I used to, but as I grew older, I forgot the joy of it.”
Kela’s heart sank. “But why forget something so wonderful?”
Simba sighed. “We lions are taught to be tough and serious. Playing is seen as childish.”
Kela’s eyes twinkled. “Maybe you’ve just forgotten how to let your spirit dance!”
With that, Kela took Simba’s paw and began to sway gently. Simba refused at first but soon found himself moving his legs like Kela. Kela and Simba danced with colourful butterflies, sang with chirping birds, and splashed in the river until the sun went down. With each moment, Simba’s heart felt lighter.
From that day on, Kela and Simba danced together. Kela helped Simba rediscover the magic of playfulness, and Simba taught Kela to be brave like a lion. Their friendship grew stronger with each passing day.
One evening, as Kela and Simba danced and sang happily, the village was drawn by their enchanting footsteps and laughter. In amusement, people clapped, cheered, drummed and joined the dance and for the first time the village became filled with hearty laughter and songs.
“Thank you, Kela,” Simba whispered. “You’ve taught me and everyone here that sometimes, to find our true selves, we must embrace the spirit of our inner child.”
“Thank you too, Simba,” Kela whispered back. “I have also learnt from you to be brave. Without bravery, I wouldn’t have danced in front of all these people.”
When Simba went back to his village that day, he taught his friends how to play hide and seek and dance under the moon. Simba learned that his inner child was always within him, waiting to be rediscovered through laughter and adventure with friends.
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Agatha Rachael Akullu is a Ugandan poet, playwright, editor, publisher, digital marketer and a Children’s literature enthusiast. Her writing journey began in her childhood when her aunt incentivised her to read and summarise books in exchange for gifts. This early love for reading later evolved into a passion for writing, leading her to pen her first two novels, a poetry collection and award-winning plays for a regional Radio station by age 14.
Currently, Agatha is the CEO of Read Us Africa, an organisation dedicated to fostering literacy, numeracy and leadership skills among Ugandan youth.
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