The Tortoise Who Could Not Wait
Long ago, in a peaceful village, there was a beautiful pond surrounded by tall green trees, soft grass, and colorful flowers. Many creatures lived happily there. There were playful fish swimming in the cool water, graceful white cranes standing near the banks, and a wise old tortoise who had lived in the pond for many years.
The fish, cranes, and tortoise were good friends. Every morning they greeted one another with smiles. The cranes searched for food in the shallow water, the fish played among the lotus plants, and the tortoise slowly walked around the pond, enjoying the peaceful life.
One year, the summer became hotter than anyone had ever seen. Day after day, the sun shone brightly. There were no clouds in the sky and no rain fell for many months.
Slowly, the pond began to dry up.
The fresh water became less every day. The lotus flowers withered. The soft mud became hard. Many fish found it difficult to breathe. Sadly, several fish died because there was not enough water left.
The cranes looked at the shrinking pond with great sadness.
“If the rains do not come soon,” said one crane, “this pond will disappear.”
The other cranes nodded. They decided they must fly to another large lake far away where there was plenty of water and food.
Before leaving, they went to meet their dear friend, the tortoise.
“Friend,” said the eldest crane kindly, “we cannot leave you here alone. We want to take you with us.”
The tortoise became happy but immediately started worrying.
“How can I travel? I cannot fly like you. What if I am left behind? What if I cannot reach the new lake? What will happen to me?” he asked, one question after another.
The cranes smiled patiently.
“Do not worry,” said one of them. “We have thought of a way.”
They brought a strong wooden stick.
“We will each hold one end of the stick firmly in our beaks. You must bite the middle of the stick with your mouth. Hold it tightly. We will carry you safely through the sky.”
The tortoise felt relieved.
“But remember,” warned the eldest crane, “whatever happens, do not open your mouth until we reach the new lake. If you speak, you will fall.”
“I understand,” replied the tortoise confidently. “I will remain silent.”
The next morning, the two cranes held the stick firmly in their beaks. The tortoise bit the middle tightly.
Soon they rose high into the bright blue sky.
The cool wind touched the tortoise’s face. For the first time in his life, he saw forests, rivers, farms, temples, villages, and green fields from above. Everything looked beautiful.
As they flew over a village, many children looked up.
“Look!” shouted one child.
“A flying tortoise!” laughed another.
People gathered in surprise.
“I have never seen such a thing!”
“What a clever idea!”
The tortoise heard every word.
Soon another thought entered his mind.
“How do the cranes know the way? How much farther is the lake? Should I ask them? Perhaps we are flying too high. What if they cannot hear me? Maybe I should ask just one small question.”
The more he thought, the more restless he became.
The cranes continued flying quietly, remembering their promise.
But the tortoise could not stop his anxious thoughts.
Finally, forgetting the warning, he opened his mouth to ask,
“My dear friends, how much—”
Before he could finish the sentence, he lost his grip on the stick.
Down he fell through the air.
The cranes tried to help, but it was too late.
The tortoise landed on the ground with a heavy thud.
The villagers gathered around with sadness.
The cranes circled above, mourning their dear friend.
“If only he had been patient,” they said. “A little silence would have saved his life.”
The cranes continued their journey, carrying the memory of their friend with heavy hearts.
From that day onward, the elders of the village told this story to children. They reminded everyone that fear, anxiety, and unnecessary questions at the wrong time can lead to trouble. A calm mind and patience often protect us better than hurried words.
Moral of the Story
Overthinking and anxiety can make us forget good advice. Stay calm, be patient, and trust those who wish you well. Sometimes, the wisest action is to remain silent until the right moment.
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