Long ago, in a quiet and closely knit village surrounded by open fields and ancient paths, there lived a young girl named Chica.

She was known throughout the village for her kindness, humility, and striking beauty.

From early morning until sunset, people often saw her helping her parents with household work, carrying water, sweeping the yard, or preparing food.

Whenever she walked along the dusty paths of the village, she greeted everyone she met with a bright smile that warmed even the coldest hearts.

Chica came from a modest family.

They were not wealthy, but they lived with honesty, love, and contentment.

Her parents taught her the importance of respect, obedience, and compassion.

In the village, people depended on farming, animal care, and shared labor.

Life was simple, and traditions guided daily behavior.

One of the most important traditions was the annual festival held in a neighboring village to honor the spirits of the land.

It was a time of music, dance, and celebration that everyone looked forward to each year.

Among all the young women in the village, Chica stood out not only for her appearance but for her gentle heart.

Children admired her, elders praised her manners, and visitors remembered her warmth long after leaving.

Yet admiration often attracts envy.

There were three girls in the village named Adah, Bisi, and Fara who secretly resented Chica.

They appeared friendly on the surface, but jealousy burned quietly within them.

They envied the affection Chica received and the attention she drew without effort.

Though Chica always treated them with kindness and included them in conversations, the three girls pretended to be her friends while nurturing bitterness in their hearts.

Over time, their envy grew into something darker.

They began to plan how to remove Chica from the village and take her place in the eyes of others.

As the festival approached, the girls saw an opportunity.

They knew Chica had never attended the festival before and that her parents were strict about travel.

Using false kindness, they encouraged her excitement.

When Chica parents prepared to visit relatives in another village, her mother warned her to be careful and advised her not to attend the festival.

Chica promised to stay home and complete her chores.

The very next morning, Adah, Bisi, and Fara arrived with cheerful smiles and offered to help Chica finish her chores quickly so she could join them.

Trusting their kindness, Chica agreed.

They worked together, laughing and chatting, and once the chores were completed, they set off toward the neighboring village.

The journey led them through open land and eventually to a wide, silent river.

The water was deep and unnaturally calm.

Unknown to Chica, the river was guarded by a powerful mermaid spirit.

A long standing rule required travelers to bring an offering of food when crossing back.

Those who failed to do so were claimed by the river.

Adah, Bisi, and Fara knew this rule well but kept silent.

The girls crossed the river using stones, and Chica followed carefully.

On the other side, the festival dazzled her senses.

Music filled the air, food stalls lined the paths, and dancers moved joyfully.

For the first time in her life, Chica felt free.

Many noticed her beauty and grace, including a kind and handsome young man named Chidi.

They spent time together, talking and laughing, and a gentle bond formed between them.

As Chica gained attention, the three girls grew angrier.

Their jealousy deepened as young men admired Chica while ignoring them.

They whispered among themselves and decided that the moment had come to act.

Later that day, Chica unexpectedly encountered her parents at the festival.

They were angry and disappointed, instructing her to return home immediately.

Feeling ashamed and frightened, Chica followed the three girls back toward the river.

On the way, Adah, Bisi, and Fara secretly prepared food offerings for themselves.

When they reached the river, Chica realized she had nothing to offer.

She begged the girls for help, but they refused coldly and crossed the river alone.

As Chica stood helpless, the river began to stir.

The mermaid emerged and seized her, dragging her beneath the water as punishment for breaking the rule.

The three girls returned to the village, believing their secret was safe.

However, Chica disappearance caused grief and panic.

Her parents searched tirelessly.

Days later, an injured parrot revealed the truth through a sorrowful song, exposing the betrayal.

Determined to save their daughter, Chica parents followed the parrot to the river and pleaded with the mermaid.

The spirit challenged them to cross the river without aid.

With unwavering love and courage, they succeeded, aided by a mysterious wind.

Moved by their devotion, the mermaid released Chica.

The village rejoiced at her return.

Adah, Bisi, and Fara were later exposed and punished by banishment.

Peace was restored.

In time, Chica reunited with Chidi, who revealed himself as a prince.

Inspired by Chica compassion, he later helped free the mermaid from her curse.

The village prospered, and Chica story became a lasting lesson about love, envy, forgiveness, and truth.