One day at sunset, the sun asked the world,
“Who can replace me if I am not there?”
All were silent… until a small lamp whispered,
“I will try.”

In a quiet village lived an orphan boy who worked in a small shop to earn his living. He studied alongside his work, and every evening he bought four candles so he could read at night.

One evening, he lit all four candles and stepped out for a short errand, thinking he would return soon.
But as soon as he left, the four candles began talking among themselves.

The first candle said softly,
“I am Peace. But there is no peace left in this world… only unrest, sorrow, and pain. I am no longer needed.”
And with that, she blew out.

The second candle spoke next,
“I am Faith. But no one believes, no one trusts anymore. What purpose do I serve?”
She too went out.

The third candle flickered and said,
“I am Love. But today I see no love anywhere. People are selfish, the world is filled with hatred. I am meaningless now.”
And she extinguished herself.

Only the fourth candle continued to burn.

When the boy returned, he was shocked.
Three candles had burned out—and he had no matchbox to relight them.

Angry and heartbroken, he cried,
“What is this? You were my only support to study… and you three betrayed me! What will I do now?”

The fourth candle glowed gently and said,
“Do not be sad. I am Hope.
As long as I burn, Peace can return, Faith can return, Love can return.
Light the others with me.”

The boy did so, and soon all four candles shone brightly again.

The lesson

As long as the candle of Hope burns, life will keep its light.
If Hope goes out, darkness takes over.

So whenever you feel sad, lost, or disheartened—
never let the candle of Hope blow out.
Where there is Hope, there is Light.