The Lucky Charm (#252).

In the small village of Yele, Sierra Leone, lived a curious 12-year-old boy named Bai.

Known for his bright eyes and endless questions, Bai often wandered through the mangrove trees and dusty paths.

He also dreaming of adventures far beyond his village.

One morning, Bai’s grandmother, Yasaka, handed him a smooth, oval stone tied to a thin leather string.

“This is your lucky charm,” she said. “It belonged to your grandfather.

He believed it brought him courage when he needed it most.”

Bai clutched the charm tightly.

His grandfather had once been a fisherman who faced the fiercest storms and came home with tales of whales and sea spirits.

Bai wore the charm around his neck from that day on.

That week, a big event stirred the village—there would be a regional storytelling competition in Magburaka.

And children from all over the province would gather to share stories from their communities.

Bai’s school was allowed to send one student.

Though shy, Bai was chosen for his vivid imagination and way with words.

As the day approached, Bai grew nervous.

What if they laughed? What if his story wasn’t good enough?

On the day of the competition, he rubbed his lucky charm and whispered, “Grandpa, be with me.”

Standing before the crowd, his voice trembled at first.

But as he spoke of the dancing devils of the dry season, the ancient baobab tree whispered secrets.

And the fisherman who outwitted a crocodile spirit, the audience leaned in.

Bai’s voice grew steady, confident.

His story danced like firelight in their minds.

He didn’t win first place, but something better happened—elders from other villages came to him, asking him to write their stories.

His teacher beamed with pride, and Yasaka wept tears of joy.

Years later, Bai would become a renowned storyteller, his books travelling far beyond Sierra Leone.

But he always kept the smooth stone tied around his neck—a reminder of where courage begins.

Sometimes, he’d tell children, “It’s not the charm that’s lucky. It’s what you believe when you hold it.”

Believe in what you do; by so doing, you will surely make it in life.

Thank you for reading.