Coon and Coco

Coon and Coco were good friends. They have been jolly good caterpillar friends right from the time they were hatched. The milk weed was lush green, they moved with other fellow caterpillars, eating playing and dancing.

One day, Coon saw a big group of caterpillars engaged in a discussion.

“What do you think, these guys are discussing about?” Coon was curious.

“They are talking about our journey southwards.” answered Coco.

“Journey? We are going with them too?” Coon’s tone was rough. He continued, “I and you will stay here. Is that clear?”

Coco didn’t say a word. He shrugged his legs and began enjoying his meal.

Days passed. All the caterpillars in the area stopped eating and began to settle down under leaves and twigs.Coon looked at them with surprise.

“What are they up to?” Coon asked innocently.

Coco said, “It is Chrysalis time. Come with me.”

Coco dragged Coon along. They stopped underneath a branch.

Coco ordered.” Now be quiet. Don’t move. OK?” Coco’s voice was authoritative. Coon didn’t like his friend for a moment. Unwillingly he stood by the side of Coco.

The two were engulfed in cocoons. A couple of weeks passed. Both Coon and Coco broke open their cocoons. Now they looked very different.

Coon looked at his colorful wings, antenna, legs and proboscis. He was struck with wonder.

Coco said, “You see, what time means to us? It changes our lives. Now it’s time for our journey. Look at the sky, full of our brothers, sisters, friends, fluttering their wings and flying southwards!” Coco’s words were choked with admiration.

“Nope.” said. Coon, his usual way. “I” will stay here. No journey, nothing. And you’ll stay with me too. Is that clear?” He began to fly somewhere.

“Hey. Stop. We have to move with the group and be with them.” Shouted Coco.

“Nope, this is where we were borne. We stay here.” Coon was very firm.

Coco followed him. “I have to advise him.” he spoke to himself.

It was migration time for the butterflies and soon they all left the place. Coon and Coco were the only two living there. The milk weed began shedding leaves and blossoms were disappearing.

“Hey, there is no nectar here.” Shouted Coon.

“Yes, you will not find it any more. The season is changing. You have to move south for food.” Coco’s words were trying to convey something…

“Oh.God! What do we do?” Coon s voice revealed, he was hungry.

“Let’s move, before it is too late. Remember we have to fly fast and join the group. Hurry. Coco began to fly in the direction, the group moved.

Coon followed reluctantly. Soon he was worried. “Can we catch the group?”

“Yes. Of course. We will. Fly fast.” Coco shouted.

Coon had no energy. He was fatigued. His wings did not move. He drifted in the air and touched the ground. He was lying motionless. Coco too was tired. But he managed some strength, descended slowly and sat down by the side of Coon. Coco whispered to Coon.Don’t loose hope. Pick up some strength. There is somebody coming. Hope God will protect us.”

A school boy came that way. He spotted the two butterflies. He carefully picked them up on a paper; He took them home and left them in his garden. It was a green house full of flowers.

Coon and Coco found the place refreshing. The smells were sweet. Both had stomach full’s of nectar. Their energies returned. They began to fly round and round.

The boy saw the butterflies flying and happy. He thought he should free them. He opened the gates. Coon and Coco glided past the gates. They flew with renewed energy fast enough to join their group. Both thanked the school boy from the bottom of their hearts.

But Coon had a lesson to learn. He said to himself, “It is always good to listen to your friend, and always be with the group, safe and sound.”