Fortune Cookies
The Angels and the Kingdom of Osidia
Once upon a time, in the early hours of a spring morning, two angels stood atop a hill, wooden binoculars to their eyes, surveying the kingdom of Osidia.
This looks like a good kingdom. Shall we move on to the next? — Nah, there's always someone who can be taught a lesson. I say we go down there and take a look around. — As you wish.
The angels, the generous one and the greedy one, strolled through the streets of Osidia, scrutinizing every person.
These are hardworking people, I told you. You won't find anyone. — Wait! Who is this? Fortune cookies! — Fortune cookies! — What are you selling, friend? — Friend! — Oh! Ah! Hello, sir. Fortune cookies. Inside each cookie is a little note with a prediction written on it. Whatever you get is your prediction. — Hmm. And does it come true? — Uh, let me rephrase that. Has it always come true? — Well, I mean, I'm sure it must for someone. You never know until you try. — Hmm, forget it.
Filip's Rise
What was that all about? — That man sells fortune cookies. — What's wrong with that? — When did I say something was wrong? — Then what? — Just wait and see, friend. Just wait and see.
The next morning, Filip, the fortune cookie seller, set up his stall as usual. Little did he know that his life was about to change forever.
Fortune cookies! — Fortune cookies! — Filip! Filip! Oh, man! Your fortune cookie predicted I'd find treasure, and guess what? I did! A bucket full of gold! Thank you so much! — Filip, your fortune cookie predicted I'd find the love of my life. Guess what? I found her! — Filip! Ah! You're an angel! Your prophecy came true! My land is fertile again! — What? — Filip! Filip! Filip! Woohoo! Filip! Thank you, man!
Filip was shocked as men and women, each thanking him for his fortune cookies.
It can't be! Are they all coming true?
At first, Filip thought it was just a simple coincidence, but then, every day, there were more and more people gathered in front of his stall. Some thanking him, others buying more cookies.
And with each passing day, Filip's story spread even further, like an untamed fire. Even people from neighboring kingdoms came to buy fortune cookies from him.
And to Filip's own surprise, every note placed inside the cookies would come true for the person who bought them.
It can't be a coincidence. Maybe I'm blessed. Yes, I am the great prophet. I determine people's destinies. Ha ha!
Filip's Fall
A feeling of arrogance and pride began to grow in Filip. He now sold his cookies at a high price, for he had become greedy.
Come on! I only have this copper coin. Please give me a fortune cookie. — No. Means no. Get out of here. Come back when you have a gold coin.
One day, Filip received news from the king of Osidia.
What? The king wants to meet me? — Yes, bring your best cookies. — Of course!
Filip made the most exquisite fortune cookies and put the best predictions inside them. Then, he set off for the palace.
Passing through the forest, under a tree, he saw a poor monk, weak and pale.
Ah, dear son, please help me. — What is it? — You see, I am an old fasting man and I have no strength to feed myself. Would you be generous enough to offer me something? — Hmm, I have nothing to feed you with. — Really? Then how do I smell freshly baked cookies? — Ha ha! These are for the king. — Please, could you spare a few from there? — Absolutely not! Now I'm late. The king is waiting for me. What can I tell you? Stay here and sooner or later someone will come for you. Goodbye!
And so, Filip left.
When he arrived at the castle, he was greeted grandiosely.
Wow! Look at the grandeur of this place! Golden walls, diamond sculptures, bright windows. It must be amazing to be king. — Welcome, teller of fortunes! Do you have the fortune cookies for me? — Uh, yes, Your Highness. Fortune cookies, freshly baked just for you. — Oh! I wouldn't want to eat them. I just want to see the predictions. — Certainly.
The king was given the basket and one by one he opened the cookies, reading the predictions.
Wow! Amazing! Ha ha! Wonderful! Oh! What a prophet! Filip, I am impressed and I have no doubt these will come true. But if not? I know where to find you. Ha ha! Just kidding. Man, give Filip significant gifts and offer him a royal feast before he leaves. Thank you, Filip.
Thus, Filip was rewarded with gold, rubies, and diamonds. He also feasted to his heart's content, amazed by the royal life.
When he arrived home, Filip began to think deeply. Images from the palace appeared in his mind, unsettling him.
What a wonderful way to live a life! I wish I were king. In fact, the most powerful king is one who has power and wealth.
And then, an idea struck him.
Ha! Ha? What if... what if I dedicate a prediction to myself? Yes, why didn't I think of this before? I don't have to sell cookies endlessly. I can become the most powerful being on earth. And, and then, riches will flow. Yes.
Filip didn't delay. He prepared the dough and baked it. When the circles were ready, he took them out and on a small note he wrote:
You will become the most powerful being on earth. Ha ha! Get ready, world! I will... — Huh? — Oh, come on now! Who is it?
Filip put the cookie down and went to answer the door, where a poor beggar stood, with a bowl in his hands.
What do you want? — Hmm, I'm hungry and...
It so happened that while they were talking, a little mouse entered through the window, scurrying down the wall and climbing onto the table.
There, seeing the fortune cookie, it began to nibble on it, when suddenly it broke in half, revealing the note inside. The little animal's eyes stopped on the text, its pupils widened, and then...
What? What?
The walls and ceiling collapsed, destroying Filip's house.
No!
But that's not all. The mouse, now a dangerous animal, the most powerful according to the prediction, shook everything in the kingdom, unleashing chaos.
Ah! Ah! Run! What the heck?
That's how he understood.
Oh, no! What have I done?
But it was too late. The giant mouse that destroyed the village was now heading towards the castle.
Ah! Ah! Run! — This is your doing. — Huh? You? Is that you? — Your greed has blinded you. Look around. See what you've brought upon the people of your kingdom. You had a gift. A beautiful gift. You could have used it to help people, but no. You wanted everything for yourself. — I, I'm sorry. Please, please make it stop. I promise I will work hard and never be greedy again. — And why should I trust you? — My world is falling apart and soon the whole world, if the beast is not stopped. There would be no world for me to be greedy in. There would be no world for me to rule.
The monk looked at him and smiled.
Good. Let's reset time. — Reset? Wow! — What are you selling, friend? — Friend! — Oh! What? I'm back to... it means... — Hello! I asked what you're selling, friend? — Oh, hello, sir! Fortune cookies! Inside each cookie is a little note with a prediction written on it. Whatever you get is your destiny. — Hmm. And does it come true? — Uh, let me rephrase. Has it always come true?
At that moment, Filip smiled. This had happened to him before, and now was his chance not to repeat the path that led him to the abyss.
Well, these aren't real predictions. They're for amusement. But the cookies taste delicious. That I can guarantee. Hmm, let me tell you. I have one. — Oh, here! It says: "All is well." Good luck, sir! May our paths not cross again.
The Moral of the Story
Shall we move on to the next kingdom? — As you say, friend. Ha ha!
And so, the greedy one and the generous one continued traveling from kingdom to kingdom, working together to make the world a better place.
And as for Filip, he worked hard, becoming prosperous and also generous. And he never encountered greed again.
The moral of this story is that greed can lead to destruction, while generosity and hard work can bring prosperity and happiness. It is important to learn from mistakes and choose the right path.
