The older brother stands at his window, counting gold coins, his gaze sharp and hungry for more.
The younger brother tends to his tiny garden, his hands dirty but his smile bright as he waves to neighbors passing by.
"More, always more. Wealth is never enough in this world," he mutters, clutching his coin pouch.
"Good morning! Would you care for some fresh bread?" calls out the younger brother, sharing what little he has.
the younger brother[/@ch_2] strolls along a wooded path. A soft, distressed chirping draws his attention to a thicket, where a small bird struggles to flutter its broken wing.]
He kneels gently, brushing aside the leaves and lifting the bird with careful hands. The bird's feathers are ruffled, its eyes wide with fear and pain.
"Don’t worry, little bird. I will look after you," he whispers softly, tucking the bird into his warm jacket and hurrying home.
The younger brother[/@ch_2] tends to the bird, splinting its wing and singing gentle songs.]
The days pass slowly, white frost painting the windows, but inside, warmth and friendship blossom. The bird chirps brighter each morning, its spirit mending as its wing heals.
"Rest easy, friend. Spring will come soon, and you'll be free again," he promises, hope shining in his eyes.
The magical bird, grateful and no longer injured, looks back at the younger brother with intelligent eyes.
"You cared for me when I was helpless. Let me give you a reward," the bird says, dropping a tiny, shimmering seed into his palm.
"Plant this seed in your garden and tend it as you did for me," it instructs, before soaring into the blue sky.
With trembling hands, the younger brother slices open the largest fruit. Gold and silver spill out, sparkling in the sunlight, pooling at his feet.
"I never dreamed of such riches," he breathes, gratitude and disbelief mixing in his voice.
The younger brother[/@ch_2] shares his newfound fortune with neighbors, repairing homes and filling pantries. The older brother, watching from his mansion, is left alone with his untouched gold.]
"How could kindness bring such reward?" he wonders, envy and regret flickering across his face.
"Wealth is sweeter when shared, brother. Perhaps you'd like to join us," invites the younger brother, his heart as open as ever.
The sun sets over the village, casting golden light on laughter, friendship, and the true riches of kindness.