Fiction

Are You Brave?

by Megan Hughes
02/17/26
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At once, seen in the dark, were many fiery eyes. Growling invaded the still night air. Ari, the small lion, stood still, and his heart sank. He knew the leopards’ strength exceeded that of the lions in his pride. He gathered up all the strength he could find within himself, and then he heard the command. 

“I will attack the strong one first,” said Zev, the leader of the leopards. 

A wretched laugh pierced the darkness. Ari’s muscles stiffened, and he braced himself. Ari spoke under his breath, “I will not fear.” 

Then the small lion let out a loud roar. Zev did not delay and pounced on Ari. They rolled on the ground with claws outstretched and teeth tearing into one another’s flesh. The other lions were stunned and could not move. Their only hope was now on the brink of death. 

At that moment, Ari displayed bravery. Bravery is the quality of spirit that allows someone to face danger or pain without showing fear. It is drawing on instinct, an immediate response to a challenging situation.

The fight ended with another brave soul intervening on Ari’s behalf.

The leopard threw back its head, bared all its teeth, and aimed for Ari’s throat. From above the opening of the cave, Jair, the mountain lion, leapt down upon Zev, knocking the leopard off Ari. He landed at the feet of one of his followers, and his body lay still.

At that moment, the Black Wind returned with great force. With all his strength, Ari stood up, ignoring the sharp pain in his body. He called for everyone to get into the cave, or they would not survive, including the leopards.

With the buffeting wind against him, Ari made his way toward Zev. The leopard was still breathing. Ari bit into the skin of his neck and, with great tenacity, dragged the leopard up the ravine toward the cave.

Bravery is a bold display of a person’s convictions, their firm belief or opinion. Ari displayed his convictions through his actions. His bravery defended the lions in his pride. His bravery saved Zev’s life, along with the other leopards. Ari believed life is valuable no matter what differences there may be. Even that of an enemy.

Our fate lives within us. You must be brave enough to see it.

It is not the size of the lion in the fight that counts, but the bravery in the lion that wins.

Will you be as brave as Ari? Can you face pain or danger? Can you have an immediate response to a challenging situation? Or will you stay out of harm’s way as the other lions in Ari’s pride did, watching from afar? 

I pray you draw upon the bravery in your heart. I know it exists. When the time comes, I believe you will act on it. Follow your convictions. Life is valuable.

“You made me brave in my soul with strength.” Psalm 138:3. 

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt