Deep within a lush forest lay a sparkling blue pond, home to many colorful fish. Near the edge lived an old crane. As the years passed, the crane grew slow and could no longer catch fish with ease. Driven by hunger, the crane hatched a wicked plan.
One morning, the crane approached the fish with a look of false sadness. "My dear friends," it cried, "this pond is drying up! If you stay here, you will perish. I know of a vast, deep lake nearby where you can live safely. Shall I carry you there?"
The fish, frightened by the news, asked, "But how will you help us?" The crane replied, "I will carry two of you on my back each day until everyone is safe."
Believing the lie, the fish began to trust the crane. Every day, two fish would climb onto the crane's back, but instead of a new lake, the crane would fly to a lonely rock and eat them.
A clever crab, watching from the reeds, realized the crane's cruelty. The crab decided to teach the crane a lesson. Approaching the crane, the crab said, "Kind sir, I wish to see this wonderful new lake too. Please, take me with you!"
The crane, thinking of a delicious crab meal, agreed eagerly. "Climb on!" it said.
As they flew toward the usual rock, the crab noticed something strange. The ground was covered in tiny white bones. "Is this the magnificent lake you promised?" the crab asked with a sharp tone. Before the crane could lie again, the crab clamped its strong claws onto the crane's neck. The crane let out a painful cry and fell, finally facing the consequences of its greed. The crab had saved the truth and punished the liar.
Moral
Never trust a dishonest person's promises; greed leads to downfall.
