Read by Michael Flamel

In the lush, green expanse of Mrs. Green’s garden, rows of vegetables stood tall and proud. The tomatoes, with their vibrant red fruit, gleamed in the sunlight, while the onions, with their earthy brown skins, nestled humbly in the soil.

One sunny morning, an onion named Ollie turned to his neighbor, a tomato named Timmy, and sighed deeply.

Ollie: “Why am I an onion, Timmy? Why couldn’t I have been a tomato like you? You’re so bright and admired by everyone who passes by. People can’t wait to pick you and add you to their salads.”

Timmy: (smiling) “Oh, Ollie, don’t be so hard on yourself. You might not see it, but you have your own unique qualities that make you special.”

Ollie: “I just don’t see it. I stay underground, hidden from the world. When people dig me up, they cry! How can that be a good thing?”

Timmy thought for a moment and then responded with a gentle tone.

Timmy: “You know, Ollie, it’s true that people cry when they cut you. But that’s because you’re so powerful. Your essence is strong and potent. You bring depth and flavor to every dish you touch. Without you, many meals would be bland and unremarkable.”

Ollie was silent, pondering Timmy’s words. Just then, Mrs. Green walked into the garden with her young granddaughter, Lily. Lily was excitedly pointing at the different vegetables.

Lily: “Grandma, I love the tomatoes! They’re so pretty!”

Mrs. Green smiled and knelt beside Lily, pointing to the onions.

Mrs. Green: “Yes, the tomatoes are beautiful, Lily. But do you see these onions? They might not be as bright, but they are incredibly important. They make our meals delicious and healthy. Every vegetable here has its own special role.”

Lily looked at the onions with newfound appreciation.

Lily: “Wow, I didn’t know that, Grandma. I guess they’re just as special as the tomatoes.” Ollie felt a warm glow inside. Timmy nudged him with a leafy elbow.
Timmy: “See, Ollie? You are special in your own way. We all are. Each of us has a purpose, even if it’s not always obvious.”

Ollie nodded, feeling a sense of pride he had never felt before.

Ollie: “Thank you, Timmy. And thank you, Mrs. Green and Lily. I guess it’s okay to be an onion after all.”

As the days went by, Ollie embraced his role in the garden. He realized that being an onion meant bringing strength and flavor to the world. He learned that every vegetable, no matter how humble, had a special place and purpose.

One day, a terrible storm swept through the garden. The winds howled and the rain poured down, threatening to uproot everything in its path. The tomatoes, being above ground, were particularly vulnerable. Timmy and his fellow tomatoes struggled to hold on as the wind tried to tear them from their vines.

Timmy: “Ollie! I don’t know if we can make it through this storm. We’re not as deeply rooted as you are.”

Ollie, feeling a surge of determination, responded firmly.

Ollie: “Hold on, Timmy! We’ll get through this together. Our roots are strong, and we can withstand the storm.”

Ollie braced himself against the wind, his roots digging deeper into the soil. He knew that his role was crucial now more than ever. His stability would help the garden survive.

The storm raged on, but Ollie and the other onions held firm. Their deep roots provided the stability needed for the entire garden to weather the tempest. When the storm finally passed, the garden was battered but still standing.

Mrs. Green and Lily came out to survey the damage. They were relieved to see that most of the plants had survived.

Mrs. Green: “Look, Lily, the onions helped keep the garden together. Their deep roots provided the strength we needed to get through the storm.”

Lily smiled and gently touched one of the onions.

Lily:”Thank you, onions. You saved the garden.”

Ollie felt a profound sense of fulfillment. He had discovered that his true worth lay not in his appearance but in his strength and resilience. The storm had shown him that every role in the garden was vital, and each plant contributed to the harmony and balance of life.

From that day on, Ollie no longer questioned his place in the garden. He understood that being an onion was a powerful thing. He was proud of his role and the stability he provided. The garden flourished, a testament to the importance of diversity and the strength found in unity.

Everyone has a unique role and purpose. True strength and beauty lie in embracing our individual contributions, and unity in diversity can help us weather life’s storms. ❖

About the Author: Faiza Api is a teacher and a passionate storyteller by heart.