The Lion and the Mouse

Once upon a time, in a vast, sun-dappled savanna, ruled a magnificent Lion. He was the King of the Jungle. He was massive, with a coat of gold and a mane that flowed like a regal cape. When he slept, his snoring sounded like distant thunder. One afternoon, the Lion was taking a nap under the shade of a large Acacia tree. It was hot, and the flies were buzzing lazily.

A tiny, gray Mouse was scurrying through the grass, looking for seeds. He was in a hurry and wasn’t looking where he was going. Suddenly, he ran right up a golden hill. “This is a strange hill,” thought the Mouse. “It is warm and furry.” He reached the top and realized his mistake. He was standing on the Lion’s nose! The Lion’s whiskers twitched. His great big eyes opened. He let out a sleepy, grumpy growl. Grrrrr. The Lion raised a massive paw and pinned the little Mouse to the ground. “Who wakes the King?” roared the Lion. He opened his giant mouth to swallow the pest.

“Stop! Please, O King!” squeaked the Mouse. “Do not eat me! I am so small, I wouldn’t even be a snack. I would just be a tickle in your throat!” The Lion paused. The Mouse was indeed very small. “Please let me go,” begged the Mouse. “If you spare me, maybe one day I can help you.”

The Lion began to laugh. His laughter shook the ground. “You? Help me?” he chuckled. “I am the strongest creature in the world. You are a tiny speck. How could you ever help me?” But the Lion was not hungry, and the Mouse’s joke amused him. “Very well,” smiled the Lion. “You made me laugh. Go away, little one.” He lifted his paw, and the Mouse scurried away, shouting, “Thank you!”

A few weeks later, the Lion was stalking through the forest. He didn’t see the trap hidden in the leaves. SNAP! A hunter’s net pulled tight around him! The Lion was hoisted into the air. He was trapped in a thick rope mesh. He roared in fury. He slashed with his claws. But the ropes were too strong. The more he struggled, the tighter they became. He was helpless. He roared in despair, a sound that echoed through the hills.

Far away, the little Mouse heard the roar. “That is the King!” he said. “He is in trouble!” The Mouse ran as fast as his tiny legs could carry him. He found the Lion hanging in the net, tired and defeated. “Don’t worry, Majesty!” called the Mouse. “I am here!” The Lion looked down. “It’s no use,” he sighed. “I can’t break these ropes.”

“You can’t,” said the Mouse, “but I can.” The Mouse climbed up the net. He found the thickest knot that held the trap together. He began to chew. Click, click, click. His sharp little teeth worked like a saw. He chewed through one rope. Then another. Then another. Snap! The net gave way. The Lion fell gently to the ground. He was free!

The Lion stood up and shook his mane. He looked at the tiny Mouse with new respect. “I am sorry I laughed at you,” said the Lion humbly. “You saved my life.” “Big or small,” said the Mouse, smiling, “we all have our special talents.” From that day on, the fierce Lion and the tiny Mouse were the best of friends, protecting each other in the great big jungle.

Moral of the Story: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Even the weak can help the strong.

The end.

Moral of the Story: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.