I am Sunny the Sunflower, growing in a field filled with my other sunflower friends. Every morning when I wake up, the sun is just peeping over the horizon. I hear the soft whispers of the breeze ruffling my leaves, and feel the warmth on my petals. Sometimes, I even see a little bird hop by, singing a lovely tune, wishing us a cheerful good morning.
Yet this morning feels a little different. I can hear my friends add a little excitement in their whispers as they wait to greet the sun. They say today’s the day! Today, the gardener will take us to the town market, where everyone can admire the beauty of our sunflower family! Oh, how thrilling! I can barely wait!
But as I look around, I start to feel an uneasy knot in my stomach. I look to my right and left. There’s Sunny Tall on my left, almost standing shoulder to shoulder with me but at least a foot taller. To my right, there’s Sunny Bright, her hues even more vibrant than mine. In fact, she’s always reflecting the colours of any flower nearby. It does make me feel a bit dull in comparison. So many thoughts run through my tiny little mind.
“What if I’m not cut out for this? What if I don’t catch anyone’s attention? What if…?” I wish I could stand up a little taller and be more radiant too. I start to think, what if I stood up on my tiptoes? So I try. I put my heels together and try to lift myself up, but I can’t stand any taller, no matter how hard I try. Oh, my aching little leaves! Maybe I could lean over to Sunny Tall and ask if she could help lift me as we walk to the market.
“Are you okay Sunny?” she asks gently. “I heard a faint whisper from you when we were listening to the breeze. What were you saying?”
“Oh, I was just wishing I could be a little taller and brighter, like you,” I confess. “I want to seize the day like you all, but I’m scared that no one will notice me! What if I get lost in the crowd of other flowers?”
“Fear not, friend, fear not!” Sunny Tall replies. “This is your moment, just as much as it is ours! We may be tall, bright, or radiant, but always remember that all flowers are different and unique in their own way. It’s these differences that make us special! Look! The sun is rising high over there!” Sunny Tall replies, pointing with her petal to a beautiful and vibrant sight.
At that moment, Sunny Bright chimes in, “Yes, dear friend! Just open your petals wide, and you’ll see. The sun will only notice you shining back! So stand tall and bright like always! We’re all proud of you.”
As I nod at the words from my friends, I turn my face to the sun, only to realize with absolute joy that it’s also smiling down on me. Blushing with glee, I spread my petals wide. Oh, look at me! I’m bee-u-tiful! The sun brings out the intricate patterns on my petals and brightens every single shade of yellow. I can hear gasps of awe from my fellow blooms.
“Oh, Sunny! You are the sunniest I have ever seen! There goes our little star!” Sunny Tall sings gleefully.
Yes, there goes—as a friend said—our little star! As we sway under the sun’s rays, I am now beaming brighter than I ever thought possible. All around me are heads nodding and petals cheering. But more importantly, I feel a fresh wave of joy and support.
I realize that all my friends are saying the same thing, and together, we dance in the breeze, each of us unique, yet strong in our diversity.