Read by Michael Flamel

OOnce upon a time, in a quiet suburban neighborhood, there lived a man named Henry. Henry was a dedicated husband, a loving father to two young children, and a hardworking office executive. Despite all his efforts to be a good provider and a responsible parent, he often found himself feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from his family. He was in search of happiness but didn’t know where to find it.

One warm and sunny morning, as Henry was tending to his garden, he noticed something unusual. There, nestled among the blooming roses, was a pure white rabbit. It had the most captivating, almost ethereal, appearance. Its fur was as white as snow, and its eyes shone with a wisdom that seemed impossible for a mere rabbit.

Curiosity got the best of Henry, and he approached the rabbit cautiously. To his astonishment, the rabbit didn’t hop away in fear. Instead, it looked straight into his eyes with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. Henry reached out and gently touched the rabbit, which allowed him to pick it up without resistance.

As he held the rabbit in his arms, a warm and comforting sensation washed over Henry. It was as though an old friend had returned after a long absence. He sat down on a bench in his garden, cradling the white rabbit, and began to speak to it as if it could understand him.

“Who are you?” Henry whispered, tears of wonder in his eyes.

The rabbit didn’t respond in words but instead nuzzled against Henry’s chest. In that moment, Henry felt a profound sense of peace he hadn’t experienced in years.

Days turned into weeks, and the white rabbit became a regular visitor in Henry’s garden. Each time they met, Henry poured out his heart to the rabbit, sharing his struggles and frustrations about his job, his strained relationship with his wife, Sarah, and the growing distance he felt from his children, Emma and Liam.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the garden bathed in the soft hues of twilight, Henry found himself pouring out his deepest worries to the rabbit. He spoke of his constant pursuit of career success, which left him with little time for his family, and how he feared losing the love of his wife and children.

With a knowing gaze, the rabbit looked into Henry’s eyes once more. And then, to Henry’s amazement, the rabbit began to speak. Its voice was gentle, like a soft breeze rustling through the leaves.

“Henry,” the rabbit said, “happiness is not found in the accumulation of wealth or the pursuit of success. It lies in the moments you spend with the ones you love. Your wife and children are the true treasures of your life. They long for your presence, your love, and your attention, not the material possessions you provide.”

Henry was taken aback by the rabbit’s words. They struck a chord deep within him, resonating with a truth he had long ignored.

The rabbit continued, “Your job is important, but don’t let it consume you. Find a balance between your career and your family. Make time for Sarah, for Emma, and for Liam. Be present with them, listen to their stories, share their joys and sorrows. That is where your happiness lies.”

Henry nodded, tears streaming down his face. It was as if the white rabbit had unlocked the door to his heart, revealing the answers he had been searching for all along.

Over the next few months, Henry followed the rabbit’s advice. He made a conscious effort to prioritize his family over his career, rekindling his relationship with Sarah and becoming more involved in his children’s lives. As a result, their home was filled with laughter, love, and a newfound sense of happiness.

And as for the white rabbit, it eventually disappeared from Henry’s garden, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and transformation. Henry knew deep down that the rabbit had been his guardian angel, sent to guide him back to the path of happiness and fulfillment.

Years passed, and Henry often found himself gazing at the moonlit garden, silently thanking the white rabbit for its profound guidance. He had learned that happiness was not a destination but a journey, and he was determined to cherish every moment of it with his beloved family.

And so, the charming story of a man who found an angel in his garden, in the form of a white rabbit, became a cherished tale in their family—a reminder that the truest happiness was found in the love and connections they shared. ❖