(miniflash story)

On a sunny morning at the farm, the hen and the duck started a big argument. They both thought they were the best of the best on the whole farm.

“I am clearly the better bird!” said the hen, called Chicki, flapping her wings proudly. “I lay fresh eggs every single day for the farmer’s family. What do you do that’s so special?”

Ducky laughed and shook her head. “That’s nothing! I can swim in the pond perfectly. Look at me!” She jumped into the water and swam around gracefully. “You can’t even get your feet wet without being scared”.

“Swimming is not everything” replied angrily the hen. “I can find the best bugs and worms in the dirt. I help the farmer by eating all the bad insects in the garden. You just splash around in dirty water all day!”

“Dirty water?” Ducky was very upset now. “My pond is perfect and pure! And I can fly much better than you. Hey, eyes here!” Ducky flew high into the sky and made perfect circles in the air.

Chicki tried to fly but could only jump a little bit off the ground. She felt embarrassed but didn’t want to give up. “Flying high is dangerous!” she said. “I am smart and stay safe on the ground. Also, I take care of my chicks better than you take care of your ducklings”.

“That’s not true!” said Ducky. “My ducklings learn to swim when they are very young. That’s a very important skill. Your chicks can’t do anything interesting!”

The argument continued for hours. Other farm animals came to watch. The cow, the pig, and the sheep listened to both birds fighting.

Finally, the old wise owl flew down from his tree. “Cut it out! Stop talking rubbish!” he said in his deep voice. “You are both wonderful birds, but you are good at different things. Chicki, you are excellent at laying eggs and finding bugs. Ducky, you are amazing at swimming and flying. The farm needs both of you. Instead of arguing about who is better, you should be friends and help each other. Different skills make the farm a better place for everyone”.