A sparrow diligently cared for its nestling within the confines of a secure nest box. The sparrow’s devotion was unwavering, providing nourishment, warmth, and protection to its precious offspring. Every day, it ventured out to gather food, but as time passed, a growing fear gnawed at the sparrow’s heart—that one day it might not return. The world beyond the nest box was filled with perils, from predators in the shadows to the unpredictability of the elements. With each departure, the sparrow’s wings trembled with trepidation, dreading the possibility of not being able to return to the comfort of the nest box and the nestling it held dear.

The fear was a constant companion, haunting the sparrow’s every flight. It fueled the sparrow’s determination to swiftly gather food and hasten back to the nest box. The sparrow’s devotion intensified, driven by the fear of separation. It yearned to protect its nestling, to shield it from the world’s uncertainties, and to always be there when needed. The sparrow’s flights became quicker, its songs filled with urgency as it battled the fear that threatened to consume it. For the sparrow, the fear of not returning was a reminder of the fragile nature of life, a catalyst for a devotion that burned brighter with each passing day.

~ Robert David Atkinson

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