Near the edge of a dense forest, a group of sheep lived inside a large rocky shelter. In that same forest, a powerful tiger roamed. One afternoon, while hunting for food, the tiger spotted a gentle cow and began a fierce chase.
Terrified, the cow ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Seeing a large opening in the rocks ahead, she dashed inside to hide. This rocky shelter was already home to many sheep, led by a large, strong-horned ram.
As the cow stood quietly in a corner, listening to the tiger's angry growls outside, the ram approached her. Instead of helping, the ram felt insulted by a stranger entering his territory. "You don't belong here! Get out immediately!" the ram shouted, trying to nudge her away with his horns.
"Please, friend," the cow whispered calmly, "the danger is right outside. I have come here only to seek safety. Let us wait until the tiger leaves, and then we can talk."
But the ram was too proud to listen. He continued to harass the cow, making loud noises. Hearing the commotion, the tiger moved closer to the entrance, ready to strike. The ram suddenly realized his mistake as the tiger's shadow fell across the opening. The cow spoke softly, "If you keep making noise, the tiger will find us both. Be still."
Realizing his selfishness had put them both in danger, the ram fell silent. The tiger eventually lost interest and wandered away. Once it was safe, the ram approached the cow, feeling deeply ashamed of his behavior.
Moral
Do not take advantage of someone else's moment of weakness or distress.
