The Tortoise, you know, carries his house on his back. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot leave home.
At first, he didn’t mind. But as the years passed, the tortoise began to feel unhappy.
He watched the birds flying high in the sky.
He watched rabbits, squirrels, and other animals running quickly from place to place.
They were always discovering new things and visiting exciting places.
“I wish I could see the world too,” sighed the Tortoise. “But I’m so slow, and I have to carry my house everywhere I go.”
One day, he met two friendly ducks.
The Tortoise told them how much he wanted to travel.
“We can help you,” said the Ducks.
“Really?” asked the Tortoise excitedly.
“Of course,” said one Duck. “Take hold of this stick with your mouth.”
“We will each hold one end of the stick and fly. You will be able to see forests, rivers, fields, and towns from high above.”
“But remember,” said the other Duck, “you must not open your mouth while we are flying.”
“I promise!” said the Tortoise.
The Tortoise bit down firmly on the stick.
The Ducks grabbed the ends and lifted him high into the air.
Up, up, up they flew.
The Tortoise looked down in amazement.
He saw green fields, sparkling rivers, and winding roads.
“This is wonderful!” he thought.
As they flew across the countryside, a Crow spotted them.
The Crow had never seen anything so strange.
“Well, well!” called the Crow. “That must be the King of all Tortoises!”
The Tortoise felt very proud.
He wanted everyone to know how clever he was.
Without thinking, he opened his mouth to speak.
“Why, of course I—”
But before he could finish, he let go of the stick.
Down, down, down he fell.
The Ducks could not catch him.
The Tortoise learned his lesson too late.
Sometimes, staying quiet and listening is wiser than showing off.
The Lesson: Pride and boasting can lead to trouble. Sometimes it is better to listen and stay humble.
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