When Kelly Eden, a Los Angeles model and artist, began raising monarch butterflies, she dreamed of watching them transform and take flight. This summer, she celebrated the release of 10 strong and healthy monarchs from her garden.

But then came two little ones who never got the chance to fly.

A Struggle From the Start

The butterflies emerged from their chrysalides with crumpled, uneven wings. Normally, wings unfold, fill with fluid, and harden into the perfect shape needed for flight. But for these two, something went wrong.

“They’re tiny creatures, but there’s so much effort and transformation that goes into reaching that final butterfly stage,” Eden explained. “To imagine all that potential cut short by damaged wings is devastating.”

Without flight, survival becomes nearly impossible — monarchs rely on flying to reach flowers for nectar, and many migrate hundreds of miles each winter.

Choosing Comfort Over Despair

Eden faced a heartbreaking choice: end their suffering or give them love and care for as long as they lived. She chose compassion.

One sunny afternoon, she carried the butterflies into her rose garden. Placing them on her knee, she gently rocked back and forth on a swing. As the breeze moved past, the little monarchs stretched their wings, flapping as if pretending to fly.

“They didn’t move around very much,” Eden recalled. “But they seemed the most alert and active when they were perched on my knee in the garden.”

Creating a Safe Haven

Unsure of the cause — possibly genetics, pesticides, or Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), a parasite that affects monarchs — Eden made sure to protect her other butterflies by setting up a separate, cozy enclosure indoors.

Inside, the flightless pair had soft perches, fresh nectar, and the chance to walk around together. Though their wings never worked, their lives were filled with peace, safety, and gentle care.

A Lesson in Kindness

Butterflies born in summer often live just a few weeks. For Eden’s two fragile monarchs, those weeks were made brighter by compassion.

“Sometimes nature is cruel,” she said. “We don’t have to be.”

Her choice is a reminder that even when we can’t fix what’s broken, we can always choose kindness — giving life dignity, no matter how small.