The Tortoise And The Frog
A young tortoise and a young frog are best of friends. They spent many years together and so closed in almost everything. The tortoise recalled that his family was taken away by fishermen and never saw them again. The frog has a lot of kins around. He is the only friend of the tortoise that doesn't belong in his kingdom.
Many times the frog was asked by the other frogs, "Why do you always play with a tortoise? He is very slow."
The frog is not surprised for being asked by the same question. He just said, "My friend is homeless. That's why he needs me... even you and everybody."
As years go by, the lone tortoise is growing up as a glossy and strong one. The frog, a skinny one, doesn't grow as big as his other kins and friends.
"Today is my birthday!" said the Frog to his friend Tortoise. "I would like to invite you eat some insects for a change."
The Tortoise said, "I don't eat insects. You know that!"
"Just kidding!" cajoled the Frog.
"So, how are you going to celebrate your birthday today?" the Tortoise asked.
"We will swim together and eat with my family today," replied the Frog.
"Thank you," said the Tortoise.
While swimming in the brook that day, the skinny body of the Frog was carried away by the water current as strong winds and rains aggravated the weather. The Frog was crying for his friend's help. The Tortoise dived with a stick on his mouth, but can't reach the Frog's outstretching arms as the water level rises.
Both the Tortoise and the Frog know that not too far from the spot of the brook where they often swim is a waterfalls.
The Frog is scared of dropping himself on the falls as the Tortoise tried to swim his fastest to save his friend being driven away by the strong water currents.
The Tortoise shouted, "I will not leave you here alone!"
Only about fifty yards before reaching the end of the brook, the Tortoise was able to reach the Frog's hands and offered his shell as the Frog climbed on top of his carapace. The Frog was saved.
Then the Tortoise spotted and smacked the nearest thin branch of a tree extending on the surface of the waters, struggled until they reached the dry ground -- panting tiredly.
"I don't want to swim in deep waters anymore," said the Frog.
"It was an accident that you slipped on the wet rocks..."
"Thank you for saving my life on my birthday," sighed the Frog.
"You are my friend. I will never leave a good friend, no matter what."
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