One beautiful day, an old and wise owl named “Hoo-Hoo” called all the animals together. He said: “Today is the patience contest! Whoever can sit calmly by the Pond of Wishes until the magical water lily blooms is the winner.”

With her tiny steps, Pana headed toward the pond. On the way, a butterfly named “Nava” landed on her nose. Nava had blue and silver wings. Pana didn’t shake, so her new friend wouldn’t be bothered. She smiled and took a slow, gentle breath.

Pana reached the pond. A big white bud sat in the middle of the water. Pana sat on a wide leaf and, like a kind little statue, kept her eyes on the bud. She knew that to see beauty, you must not hurry.

A little rabbit named “Goli” rushed past. He jumped up and down and said: “Why won’t this flower open? I don’t have the patience!” Goli couldn’t stay calm and ran off toward the wild strawberries. But Pana still waited.

Little by little the air grew dark, and the stars appeared in the sky like shining sequins. Pana closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the night. She could feel all the forest’s kindness in her heart. Being patient felt to her like a sweet dream.

Goli the rabbit came back again. He was tired and panting. Pana gave him a small pearl made from dewdrops and said: “Be calm, my friend. Take a deep breath and look at the beauty of the moon.”

Suddenly, a golden light shone from the middle of the pond. The water lily bud began to open. A lovely fragrance, like the scent of jasmine and honey, drifted through the whole forest. The entire forest grew quiet to watch this beautiful moment.

The water lily opened completely, and in its center sat a kind little fairy. The fairy smiled and said: “Pana, you are the winner of patience. Because your heart is calm and overflowing with kindness.” The fairy placed a crown of tiny water lilies on Pana’s head.

Hoo-Hoo the wise owl flew down and came to Pana. All the animals clapped for Pana. Pana was happy, not for the prize, but because she had learned how much patience makes the world more beautiful. Now she was the calm queen of the forest.