Read the Native American fable "The Girl Who Became a Bird." Then, answer the question that follows.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Ran-che-wai-me. She was in love with a boy named Wal-o-naisa, who wanted to marry her. But her father disapproved of
their relationship, so they had to meet secretly. They would meet every evening on a small island in the river. They met like this for many months, growing closer and more in
love. But one day, Wai-o-naisa had to go on a secret mission against another tribe called the Sioux. He had to leave suddenly, without saying goodbye to Ran-che-wai-me.
Weeks turned into months, and there was no news from Wai-o-naisa. Eventually, they received a message saying he had been killed in a fight with the Menomones. Ran-
che-wal-me was devastated by the news. She couldn't show her grief to her parents, so she could only find solace by swimming to the island where they used to meet. Under
the starry sky, she would call out Wai-o-naisa's name and mourn their lost love.
One night, while she was crying out for Wai-o-naisa, some of her father's people heard her. Frightened by their presence, she tried to climb a tree to hide, but she was too
weak and sad to do so. Her voice became more desperate as she cried out Wai-o-naisa's name. At the same time, feathers began to cover her wounded body, which was
scratched by the thomy bushes. She raised her arms to the sky in despair, and they, too, turned into wings. When the people approached her, a bird suddenly flew out of the
bushes where
Ran-che-wai-me was hiding. It flew from tree to tree, always calling out "Wai-o-naisal Wai-o-naisal". And that bird was Ran-che-wai-me, transformed by her
sorrow into a creature who could fly and mourn her lost
love forever.
Which of the following best states the universal theme of this fable?
O Love has the power to transform and endure, even in the face of loss and grief.
O Acts of kindness and compassion make no difference in someone's life.
O Hard work and perseverance lead to success every time.
O Honesty is the best policy, even if the truth hurts.