A man helps a butterfly emerge from its cocoon by cutting it open with scissors. However, the butterfly's body is shriveled and weak, and it is never able to fly. The story suggests that the struggle to emerge from the cocoon naturally is what forces fluid into the butterfly's wings, making them strong enough for flight. More broadly, struggles and obstacles in life are sometimes necessary for growth and strength, just as the butterfly needs the struggle to exit the cocoon to allow its wings to develop properly.