The Hedgehog and the Magic Hug
Once upon a time, living in an ancient woodland, there was a little hedgehog named Gerry, and this hedgehog was very unhappy because no one came close to him.
Whenever anyone got too close, he would prick them with his spines. What others didn’t understand was that when the hedgehog reached out them, all he wanted was to show them how much wanted to interact with them.
Alas, because of his spines, his attempt at kindness was painful for the others, and they always ended up leaving.
The hedgehog was left alone and unhappy, wishing only to be loved for who he was and to find someone who could understand him.
Years went by, and the hedgehog stayed alone, growing sadder and sadder, with his little heart becoming heavier with each passing day.
One rainy day, the little hedgehog went out to find some food. As he walked, burdened by his heavy heart, he came across a small brown bundle shivering and rolling through the leaves looking for shelter.
The hedgehog, grumpy as always, gave the little bundle a kick to push it out of his way. But, in doing so, he pricked himself so badly that he couldn’t walk anymore and collapsed there in the wet leaves.
Overwhelmed by pain and sadness, he began to cry so hard that it seemed as if he, rather than the cold autumn rain, was drenching the forest.
Seeing this, the little bundle, which had been hiding fearfully behind a root, came out slowly. Gently, it helped the hedgehog stand up and carried him almost all the way home.
At first, the hedgehog was angry and didn’t want any help. He was used to being alone and handling everything on his own.
Then though, he realized that this was the first hug he had ever received in his life.
The little brown bundle wasn’t screaming in pain or running away in fear. Instead, it looked at him kindly and whispered in a soft voice that they were almost home, where it would take care of him and his pain would disappear as if, by magic.
And that is exactly what happened.
Through this experience, the hedgehog learned that there are beings like him, and that he too could be happy. He realized that there is hope for everyone, you just need time to find the right person or hedgehog …