The fire crackled and popped, sending tiny orange sparks swirling up the chimney like playful fireflies. Outside, the wind howled like a wild wolf, making the cozy little house shiver. Inside, Leo sat snuggled next to his grandfather, mesmerized by the dancing flames. Today had been tough; a classmate had teased him, and in his hurt, Leo had replied with sharp words. Now, a storm of feelings rumbled inside him.
“Grandfather,” Leo whispered, his voice soft as a feather. “Why do people act mean? Why do I sometimes want to be mean, even when I know it’s wrong?” His grandfather gazed deeply into the fire, the light flickering across his wise face. “Leo, there’s a great battle happening inside you and inside everyone,” he said, his voice warm like the fire.
“What kind of battle?” Leo asked, his curiosity sparkling like the flames.
“Two wolves,” his grandfather explained, his eyes twinkling with magic. “One wolf is dark and scary, filled with anger and jealousy. He growls and snaps, his fur all tangled and eyes glowing with bitterness. The other wolf shines bright like the moon, made of joy, love, and kindness.” Leo pictured the two wolves prowling around his heart, one dark and fierce, the other radiant and brave.
“They fight all the time,” his grandfather continued. “Not just on bad days, but every minute, in everyone.”
Leo’s heart thudded with excitement. “Which wolf wins?”
His grandfather smiled, leaning closer, the fire casting playful shadows. “The wolf you feed, my boy.”
Leo felt a warm glow inside as he thought about his day—the angry words and hurt feelings. With a flash of understanding, he realized he could choose to feed the silver wolf instead.
As he climbed into bed, a sense of hope wrapped around him like a cozy blanket. Tomorrow would be a new day, and in his dreams, he saw bright, shining wolves dancing joyfully under the moonlight.