The Crane Wife

Once upon a time, in a land where snow fell like soft white feathers, there lived a kind man with a gentle heart. One winter morning, as he walked through the snowy fields, he heard a soft cry. There, lying in the cold white snow, was a beautiful crane with a hurt wing. The crane looked up at him with dark, frightened eyes. The kind man knelt down slowly, so he would not scare the crane. His warm brown eyes were full of love for all creatures. He spoke in a gentle voice, saying, Do not worry, little one. I will help you. Very carefully, with hands as soft as clouds, he lifted the crane. The crane felt his kindness and stopped being afraid. She knew this man would never hurt her.