The people who lived in the little girl's town thought she was strange, with her dreams and the way she smiled secretly to herself as if she could see things that they could not. But the girl did not mind that the people thought she was odd. Often, she was sad because the other people did not know how wonderful she felt inside. She wished that they could feel the joy she knew.
In one of the earliest dreams she could remember, the little girl was visited by tiny, prickly, enchanted hedgehogs, who gave her a magic mirror and left her with a peaceful feeling that never faded away. And whenever she got lost in her dreams, the voices of the hedgehogs guided her to look into the magic mirror, where she could see things the way they really were, and she could find her way back safely. As the little girl grew up, the magic mirror remained her most prized possession.
Years passed, and the little girl grew into a gentle woman. One day, as she wandered away from the town, the woman was startled by a great wild wolf. Before she could flee, the wolf said,
"Wait! Please."
Although she was stunned when the wolf spoke to her, something in his voice made her believe that she was safe with him. So, together they walked along, both of them curious about the other and eager to learn more. The wolf explained that he had observed her often, as she roamed the countryside, exploring and interchanging her surroundings with the images in her mind. He knew what it felt like to be looked at as srange, so he never laughed at the woman's dreams.
Soon, the wolf knew for certain that the woman would not hurt him, and he shared his story. He told her about the evil witch who was jealous of a young boy who had a voice like an angel. Try as she would, she could not steal his voice. So, in her anger, she changed him into a scary wolf. The people of the town feared him because they did not know that the wolf was still just a boy inside. He spent his days alone in the hills above the town, learning the songs of the trees and rocks and streams. The townspeople avoided him because they did not understand that the wolf only wanted to share his melodies and the honest words that sprang from his tender heart. Over the years, the wolf began to believe he was a frightening beast and almost abandonned his dream of sharing his treasured music.
But now the wolf was pleased that such a gentle woman had the courage to walk beside him. The woman learned that the wolf's music was as much a part of him as her dreams were a part of her. She accepted the fearsome wolf into her world as easily and naturally as she had accepted her dreams. It never occurred to either the woman or the wolf that theirs was an unusual friendship indeed. As time went on, they shared their worlds, their thoughts, their questions and their laughter, both of them feeling fortunate that they had found each other.
The wolf was so touched by the trust and the kindness of his friend that he decided to create a special song just for her. He hoped that somehow the song could touch her heart so that she could feel the beauty that she had brought to his lonely world. The wolf called upon the birds and the trees and every wild thing he knew so well, and he carefully wove their essences into a melody that satisfied him.
When next the wolf saw the woman, he gathered his courage and sang the beautiful song that he had crafted just for her. The woman had never before heard such touching words or notes so clear and true. Her heart was warmed by the sincerity and the tenderness of the wolf's song. She stood mesmerized, as every color and texture around her became brighter and sharper. And the most amazing sight of all was the wolf himself. Before the woman's eyes the wolf was changed into a man. A man who had the same kind eyes and gentle manner as the wolf she had come to know. When she was able to speak, she cried,
"You are so beautiful!"
"I am enough," the man said, humbly.
It was then that the woman knew that the man could not see his own transformation. And if he could not see who he really was, he might remain a wild beast forever. This made the woman sad. She had to find a way to show the wolf that he was truly a man. He had been under the witch's spell so long that it was almost too late. The woman was certain that the answer would be found in her dreams and would be as lovely and clear as the music that her friend had given to her. All she had to do was listen with her heart.
That night, when all was still and quiet, the woman wandered in and out of her dreams. She was searching for the secret key that would release her friend from his lonely existence. As she dreamed, her special song blended itself with the colors and images in her mind. A familiar feeling of calm came over the woman and she smiled as the hedgehogs appeared in a misty rainbow. She had not seen them since they gave her the magic mirror so long ago, yet she knew they were always nearby, ready to help her whenever she needed them. And as she studied the playful hedgehogs her mind drifted to the mirror and its magic power. All at once the woman knew what to do. She picked up the mirror and ran all the way to the home of the wolf.
The wolf was happy to see the woman as always. But he noticed an excitement about her that was new. Perhaps she had another lovely dream to share with him.
"My friend! I have something wonderful to show you!" cried the woman.
The wolf smiled at his animated friend. He liked to see her so happy and eagerly stepped closer to share her discovery.
"What do you have to show me, dear lady?"
"I have YOU, my scary wolf! Just look into my mirror and see what is real. See yourself as you truly are. As you always were."
With those words, the woman raised the mirror for the wolf to see, and puzzled, he looked inside. There in the mirror, was the face of a man, not a wolf at all. The wolf recognized himself in the softened eyes of the man. And as he learned who he really was, the transformation became complete. The cruel spell of the evil witch was broken forever! The young boy was now a free man. He hugged the woman tightly.
"How did you know that I wasn't a wolf?" he asked.
"When you gave me my own special song, I was able to see the man inside the wolf. And even though I thought you were a beautiful wild wolf, I saw that your soul belonged to a strong, wise and loving man."
The man and the woman thanked each other over and over again. They were more grateful than ever for finding each other and their friendship grew closer and more precious as time went by.
Did they live happily ever after?
Absolutely.
Back to square one