In a peaceful village nestled near the mountains lived a young girl named Nila. She had a special fondness for her bright crimson hood, which she wore almost every day. Because of this, the villagers affectionately called her 'Nila of the Crimson Hood.'
One chilly morning, Nila’s grandmother had fallen ill. Nila decided to take some fresh fruits and honey to her grandmother’s small cottage deep in the woods. As she walked along the forest path, she noticed an elderly woodcutter resting under a large oak tree. He looked exhausted and lonely. Nila approached him gently and asked, "Sir, are you alright? Would you like some water?"
The woodcutter, who lived a solitary life, was deeply moved by the little girl's kindness. "Thank you, dear child. You have a very kind soul," he replied with a warm smile.
Unbeknownst to them, a hungry fox was watching from behind the bushes. The fox listened intently to their conversation and realized Nila was heading to the cottage. With a wicked plan in mind, the fox raced ahead through the thickets, reached the cottage, and tricked the grandmother into hiding in the cellar. The fox then put on the grandmother's shawl and glasses, lying in bed to wait.
When Nila arrived, she felt something was strange. She approached the bed and whispered, "Grandmother, why are your eyes so large today?"
"It is only so I can see your beautiful face more clearly, my dear," the fox replied, mimicking a frail voice.
"But Grandmother, why are your hands so big and long?" Nila asked, feeling a shiver of unease.
"To hold you closer in a hug," the fox answered greedily.
Finally, Nila trembled and asked, "Grandmother, why are your teeth so sharp and long?"
"To catch you!" the fox shrieked, leaping from the bed.
Nila screamed for help as loud as she could. The sound reached the ears of the woodcutter, who was still working nearby. Hearing the distress, he grabbed his axe and rushed toward the cottage. Just as the fox was about to corner Nila, the woodcutter burst through the door and chased the predator away into the deep woods. The grandmother was rescued from the cellar, and Nila hugged her tightly.
Nila turned to the woodcutter and said, "You saved me just when I needed it most. Thank you for your help, sir!"
The woodcutter smiled, knowing that Nila’s kindness to him earlier had led him to be nearby to help her.
Moral
Kindness shown to others often returns to us when we need it most.
