The Ladybug with Seven Wishes

Once upon a time, there was a little red ladybug named Lila. She lived in a lovely garden filled with fragrant flowers.

Lila had seven black spots on her wings. Every morning, she looked at her spots with curiosity.

— If only my spots were magical! —she often said.

One day, while walking on a rose, an old dragonfly smiled at her.

— Each spot on your wings can grant a wish, but only to help others.

Lila opened her eyes wide.

— Really?

— Yes, replied the dragonfly. Use them with kindness.

That same day, Lila met a little ant looking for a leaf to shelter under.

— I wish I had a little home, sighed the ant.

Lila touched one of her spots. A large green leaf gently floated down in front of the ant.

— Thank you! —she cried.

One spot disappeared.

Further along, a tired bee was searching for flowers.

— I wish I could find some nectar, she said.

Lila used a second spot. At once, several flowers bloomed open.

The bee was delighted.

Over the following days, Lila helped a snail cross a path, a butterfly find its friend, a caterpillar find a tender leaf, a cricket stay dry from the rain, and a little flower receive some water.

Each good deed made another spot disappear.

Soon, only one spot remained on her wings.

Lila wondered:

— Should I keep it for myself?

At that moment, she saw a little injured bird that could not return to its nest.

Without hesitation, she used her last wish.

A gentle breeze lifted the bird and carried it back to its family.

The last spot disappeared.

Lila looked at her wings, now completely red.

She felt a little surprised, but also very happy.

Suddenly, a bright light appeared. The old dragonfly returned.

— Because you used your wishes to help others, you have earned something even more precious.

As if by magic, the seven spots appeared again.

— Kindness is the greatest magic of all, said the dragonfly.

From that day on, Lila continued helping all the garden’s inhabitants, with a big smile on her little face.