Near a shimmering lake, a heron named Hema and her partner lived peacefully in a tall willow tree. They were excited to start a family, but every time they laid their eggs, a large black snake would slither up the trunk and steal them. Hema and her partner felt helpless and heartbroken, watching their hopes vanish time after time.
A small, wise crab living in the reeds noticed their sadness. 'Do not lose heart,' the crab whispered. 'I have a plan to help you get rid of that snake.' The crab suggested that the herons bring small fish every day and leave them near the burrow of a hungry mongoose nearby.
The plan began the next day. Hema and her partner flew to the lake, caught fresh fish, and dropped them right at the entrance of the mongoose's den. The hungry mongoose, attracted by the delicious meal, followed the trail of fish toward the thick bushes where the snake lived. Soon, the mongoose discovered the snake's hiding spot. A fierce battle broke out between the two. The herons and the crab watched from a distance as the mongoose successfully drove the snake away.
'The danger is gone!' the herons cried out in relief. They felt they could finally sleep in peace. However, the next morning, a new problem arose. The very same mongoose that had saved them was now climbing the willow tree, eyeing the heron's nest with hungry eyes. It began to peck at the eggs! The herons realized that while the mongoose was a useful tool to remove the snake, it was not a true friend. They had relied on a predator to solve their problem, only to face a new one.
Moral
Relying on the wrong kind of help can lead to new dangers; always be cautious about whom you trust to solve your problems.
