A small ant and a dove learn that good deeds always find their way back.
Once upon a time there was a little ant wandering along a riverbank in search of food. The sun was shining, and the river sparkled, but the ant grew careless. Suddenly she slipped on a smooth stone and fell into the water.
"Help! I'm drowning!" cried the ant, as the current carried her further and further out into the river.
A dove sat on a branch above the river and saw what was happening. She quickly realized the ant was in danger.
"Poor little thing, I must help her," thought the dove.
The dove flew down to the river and picked up a large leaf. She dropped the leaf into the water near the ant, who climbed onto it with all her strength. The leaf drifted slowly toward the bank, and the ant hopped off.
"Thank you so much, dear dove! You saved my life. If you ever need help, I'll do everything I can to help you," said the ant with a warm smile.
A few weeks later, the dove sat resting on a branch. The sun was still shining, but this time danger lurked in the shadows. A hunter had spotted the dove and was taking aim with his rifle.
The ant, who happened to be nearby, saw what was happening. She quickly realized what she had to do.
"I must act fast!" said the ant, and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her.
She crept up the hunter's trouser leg and bit him hard on the calf. The hunter cried out in pain, and his shot missed. The dove flew away, safe and grateful.
Later that same day, the dove found the ant and thanked her.
"You saved my life, dear ant. I'm forever grateful for your help," said the dove.
"I only did what a friend would do," replied the ant with a smile.
The Moral
Good deeds are always rewarded
This fable shows us that when we help others, we may also receive help when we need it most.
This is a free adaptation of Aesop's classic fable from ancient Greece.
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