Ollie the owl was super smart. In fact, he thought he was the smartest of all the Breathing Pals. Deep down, Ollie believed his future was going to be way bigger than the other Pals', so he didn’t really think much of them. Every day after school, Kyle and the others would invite Ollie to play, but he always turned them down. He preferred to stay home, doing science experiments and reading books.
Eventually, Ollie got into the best university in Breathing Land and left the small village. At school, he finally felt like he belonged. He got top grades and joined all kinds of activities. After graduation, Ollie stayed in the big city, working at the largest company as a management trainee.

Ollie thought this was the beginning of his dream come true. He wanted to prove that even though he came from a tiny village in the forest, he was smarter and better than everyone else. He wanted people to admire him. So, Ollie worked nonstop. While others went home on time, Ollie stayed late, working overtime. While others spent weekends with friends or relaxing, Ollie was busy working. He worked so hard that within a year, he got promoted and even took over his boss’s job. Ollie was thrilled.

The animals from Breathing Land would sometimes call him, but they could only leave messages on his answering machine—Ollie never listened to them. He became the fastest-rising star in the company, and by his fifth year, Ollie was a successful young owl driving a fancy car, wearing a luxury watch, and sporting gold-rimmed glasses. He even married a beautiful, kind lady owl. They lived in a big house and had a few adorable owlets. Ollie felt like he was winning at life.
Even after getting married, Ollie’s life was still 90% work. He always wanted to achieve more, reach higher goals, and be better than anyone else. For 20 years, Ollie worked nonstop until he became the company’s chairman. He was now the most successful owl in the city, with his interviews on TV, a statue of him at the company entrance, and ads featuring him everywhere. But one day, Ollie realized his life was a mess.

Five years after getting married, his wife left him, taking their kids because he was too focused on work to care about his family. His health had gone downhill, and even though he could afford the fanciest restaurants, he could only eat plain vegetables. When he came home to his big, empty penthouse, it was eerily quiet. When he called his kids, all he got was their answering machines. He wanted to invite friends over for Thanksgiving, but his contact list was empty.

Thanksgiving passed, and Christmas came. Ollie sat alone in his big house, staring at the fire. Suddenly, the phone rang—it was Kyle. Kyle had stayed in the little village in Breathing Land and was now a grandpa. He didn’t expect Ollie to answer but thought he’d try. To his surprise, Ollie picked up the phone. Kyle warmly greeted Ollie, congratulating him on his success and saying how proud he was to have him as a childhood friend. As Ollie listened, tears streamed down his face. Kyle asked what was wrong, and Ollie choked out, “I’m so sorry.”
Kyle, puzzled, said, “Sorry for what?” Ollie replied, “I’m sorry for not playing with you when you asked me back then.”

Kyle gently said, “It’s okay, Ollie. That was a long time ago. Look how successful you are now! Your hard work paid off.” But Ollie, still crying, said, “It’s not enough. Compared to what I’ve lost, I’ve gained so little.” Kyle was quiet for a moment, then said, “It’s okay, Ollie. You still have time to make things right.” Ollie sobbed, “But I’m too old now. I can’t undo the mistakes I’ve made. I’ve wasted my precious life, and what have I gained? I’m the world’s most foolish owl.”

Just then, everything suddenly went dark. Was Ollie dying? He had so many regrets—he didn’t want to die like this. He forced his eyes open and realized he was lying on his desk, his homework soaked in tears. It had all been a dream.

Outside, he heard Kyle calling him to come play. Kyle and the other Pals were waiting for him outside his house. This time, Ollie quickly pushed aside his homework and flew out the door. Kyle was surprised and said, “We thought you wouldn’t come out. Aren’t you going to finish your homework?” Ollie hugged his friends and said, “I’ve finally realized what’s truly important in life.”