
The Angel and the Woodman
By Storybird

27 Oct, 2023

In a village nestled amidst the dense woods, lived a middle-aged woodman named Elijah. He was a solitary figure, known for his strong and burly physique, and his humble wooden hut.

One day, while chopping wood, he found a young boy, naked and shivering in the cold. He was unlike any child Elijah had ever seen, with shimmering wings sprouting from his back.

Moved by the boy's plight, Elijah took him to his hut. He clothed the boy, gave him warmth, and named him "Naked-boy", for he was found in such a state.

As days turned into weeks, Naked-boy and Elijah formed an unlikely bond. They spent their days working and playing together, their bond getting stronger with each passing day.

Elijah taught Naked-boy how to chop wood, while the boy showed him how to appreciate the beauty of the forest, something he had overlooked in his years of labor.

The villagers were curious about the boy with wings. Some feared him, others admired him. But to Elijah, he was simply Naked-boy, his companion and friend.

The bond between Elijah and Naked-boy wasn't just limited to their daily chores. They shared stories and dreams, laughter and tears, making their little hut a home.

Naked-boy loved Elijah's tales of bravery and adventure, while the woodman enjoyed the boy's innocent questions and his fascination with the human world.

As their bond grew, so did Naked-boy's wings. They were now strong and radiant, glittering in the sunlight. Yet, he chose to stay with Elijah, the man who had become his family.

One day, a severe storm struck the village. Elijah and Naked-boy huddled together in their hut, the boy's wings wrapped protectively around them.

When the storm passed, they found the village devastated. The villagers were in despair, their homes destroyed, their crops ruined. Elijah, with Naked-boy by his side, decided to help.

They worked tirelessly, rebuilding homes and nursing the injured. Naked-boy's wings proved to be of great help, lifting heavy logs and rescuing people trapped under the debris.

The villagers grew to appreciate Naked-boy's help. They no longer feared him but admired his kindness and courage. The boy with wings had become their village's guardian angel.

Naked-boy and Elijah continued to live in their little hut, their bond stronger than ever. They were no longer just a woodman and a winged boy; they were family.

Years passed, and Elijah grew old. Naked-boy, however, remained youthful, his wings as radiant as ever. Despite his immortality, the boy chose to stay, taking care of his ageing friend.

One day, Elijah fell ill. Naked-boy, filled with worry, stayed by his side, using his wings to keep him warm and comfortable.

Despite his illness, Elijah smiled. "You've grown so much, Naked-boy," he whispered. "I'm proud of you." Tears welled up in the boy's eyes. He held Elijah's hand, promising to stay by his side.

Elijah passed away a few days later, leaving Naked-boy alone in their hut. The boy was heartbroken, but he remembered Elijah's words. He promised to carry on his friend's legacy.

Naked-boy continued to live in the hut, looking after the village and the forest. His wings, once a symbol of his otherness, were now a symbol of his courage and kindness.

Years turned into centuries, and the village grew into a bustling town. Naked-boy remained the same, his youthful face a constant in the ever-changing world.

The stories of the woodman and the angel became legends, passed down through generations. Naked-boy's deeds were remembered, his kindness and bravery becoming a beacon of hope for the town.

Despite the passage of time, Naked-boy never forgot Elijah. He missed his friend's laughter, his stories, his wisdom. He missed their bond, their shared dreams and hopes.

One day, a statue was erected in the town square. It depicted a burly woodman, standing tall with an angelic boy by his side. It was a tribute to Elijah and Naked-boy, the town's guardian angels.

Naked-boy, standing before the statue, couldn't help but smile. "This is for you, Elijah," he whispered, his voice carried away by the wind. His wings shimmered in the sunlight, radiating warmth and love.

The story of the angel and the woodman lived on, their bond a testament to the power of love and friendship. Naked-boy, the guardian angel, continued to watch over the town, his wings a symbol of hope and kindness.