Lion and mouse

Once upon a time, a mighty lion lay asleep in the warm shade of a great jungle tree. As he snored softly, a tiny, playful mouse came scurrying out of the thick grass. Not realizing where she was going, the little mouse accidentally ran right across the lion’s massive nose!

The lion awoke with a loud rumble, annoyed that his nap had been interrupted. He swung his heavy paw and trapped the tiny creature underneath it. Opening his massive jaws, he prepared to swallow the mouse whole.

"Please, King of the Forest!" squeaked the terrified mouse. "Forgive me this one time! I didn't mean to wake you. If you spare my life, I promise I will find a way to help you in return one day."

The lion burst out laughing. The sound shook the leaves on the trees. "You? A tiny little mouse helping the King of the Jungle? That is hilarious!" But because he was in a surprisingly good mood, and amused by her bravery, the lion lifted his paw and let the mouse scurry away.

A few weeks later, while hunting for food, the lion wandered into a trap set by hunters. A heavy net of thick ropes dropped over him, pinning him tightly to the ground. The lion roared in anger and helplessness, the sound echoing all through the forest.

Nearby, the tiny mouse heard the familiar, desperate roar. Remembering her promise, she ran to the spot and found the mighty king completely trapped.

Without wasting a single second, the mouse hopped onto the thick ropes and began chewing on them with her sharp little teeth. She gnawed and nibbled continuously until one thick strand snapped, then another, and another. Soon, she had chewed a hole large enough for the lion to wiggle free.

The lion stepped out of the broken net, safe and free. He looked down at the tiny mouse with deep respect.

"You laughed when I promised to help you," the mouse said softly. "But you see? Even a tiny mouse can help a mighty lion."

moral of the story is:

Kindness is never wasted.