The Old Man and the Starfish🔊

Once in the small coastal town of Kaloshi, resided an elderly man, known as Old Man Jenkins. Exuding a melancholic aura, his words were never wasted, and his eyes always twinkled with an ocean of vast experiences. He was a loner, leading his life in harmony with the sea, whispered into existence by the ocean breeze, and tucked away at rest by the setting sun. His only friends were the magnificent starfish, which washed up the shore every day.

One day, a city-dweller, named Tom, visited the quaint town of Kaloshi. Being an inquisitive traveller, he found the lifestyle of Old Man Jenkins intriguing to watch. One midsummer morning, Tom noticed Jenkins walking along the beach, bent over to pick something and threw it into the sea. This action was often repeated, encouraging Tom to approach Jenkins to decipher the perplexing behaviour. Upon asking, Jenkins revealed he was saving starfish, one at a time, because the hot summer sun would dry them out and rob them of their lives.

In disbelief, Tom laughed, pointing out the myriad of starfish along the coastline. He explained to the old man that his efforts wouldn't change anything significant, given the vast number of starfish that washed ashore every day. Old man Jenkins listened carefully to Tom's words, raised an eyebrow, and continued to pick another starfish, and gently tossed it back into the sea. He then turned to Tom and said, 'It made a difference to that one!'

Struck by the profound simplicity of Jenkins's actions and words, Tom was left speechless. News of Jenkins's daily routine spread across Kaloshi, making him an unusual folk-hero. The villagers started to join Jenkins in saving the starfish. Kids and adults, tourists and locals, everyone started participating in Jenkins's mission becoming a beautiful ‘Starfish Saving Summer’ tradition in Kaloshi. The residents realized that making a difference didn't require some grand gesture; it could be as simple as returning a starfish back to the sea, one at a time.

Years passed, and Jenkins left for a world beyond the sea. However, his spirit lived on in the village of Kaloshi. Every rising sun would see footprints imprinted on its golden sand, reminding all of the old man and his starfish. Each rhythm of the wave echoed his message of 'one at a time.'

Now, when a visitor asks about this unique tradition, the villagers narrate the story of Old Man Jenkins and his lesson that 'You can always make a difference, no matter how small the action, and no matter how vast the challenge.'

This tale illuminated each corner of the small coastal town of Kaloshi, as bright as the shimmering scales on the saved starfish. Old Man Jenkins's legacy continues to sparkle in every grain of sand, with the cherishing reminder that every bit of effort counts, no matter how big or small.