Mani and Somu were two inseparable friends who loved exploring the deep, green woods. They spent their days laughing and sharing stories. One sunny afternoon, as they wandered deeper into the forest than usual, a heavy rustling sound emerged from the thick bushes nearby.
To their horror, a massive, growling black bear emerged from the shadows, heading straight for them. Panic seized the air. Without a second thought for Mani, Somu scrambled up a nearby ancient oak tree, climbing high into the safety of the branches.
Mani stood frozen on the forest floor. He didn't know how to climb trees, and he called out to Somu for help, but his friend was too busy trembling in the heights to listen. Realizing he was alone, Mani forced himself to stay calm. He remembered a piece of wisdom his grandfather once shared: bears often leave dead prey alone.
With a racing heart, Mani lay flat on the ground. He held his breath and kept his body perfectly still, pretending to be lifeless. The bear lumbered toward him, its heavy paws thumping on the earth. Mani could feel the bear's warm breath against his ear as it sniffed him curiously. After a tense moment, the bear concluded that the boy was no longer living and slowly wandered back into the woods.
Once the danger had passed, Somu climbed down from the tree, looking relieved but trying to act brave. He walked up to Mani with a smirk and asked, "That was close! Hey Mani, did you hear what the bear whispered in your ear?"
Mani stood up slowly, brushing the dirt off his clothes. He looked Somu straight in the eye and replied calmly, "Yes, I heard him. The bear whispered a very important secret. He told me never to trust a friend who runs away when things get difficult."
Somu’s smile vanished. He looked at the ground, feeling the heavy weight of shame for leaving his friend behind.
Moral
A true friend is one who stands by you in times of trouble.
