In a peaceful countryside, a mother dog lived happily with her six playful puppies. Their cozy home was located right next to an old, deep stone well. Because the well was dangerous, the mother dog always warned them, 'Never wander near the well, my little ones. It is very deep and slippery.'
The other five puppies were very well-behaved and listened to their mother. However, Mani, the youngest and most curious puppy, often wondered what lay hidden at the bottom of that dark well. One sunny afternoon, while the others were napping, Mani decided to investigate.
She crept quietly toward the well and peered over the edge. The water at the bottom was as clear as a mirror. Suddenly, Mani gasped! She saw another puppy staring back at her from the water. To Mani’s frightened eyes, the puppy in the well looked angry and ready to fight. Thinking the stranger was going to attack her, Mani growled and lunged forward to defend herself.
In her sudden movement, Mani lost her balance and tumbled straight into the cold water with a loud splash! As she struggled to stay afloat, she realized the truth—there was no stranger. The 'angry puppy' she saw was simply her own reflection. She began to bark loudly for help, feeling very scared and alone.
Hearing Mani's frantic cries, the mother dog and her siblings rushed to the edge. The mother dog quickly found a sturdy branch and helped Mani climb out of the well. Shivering and regretful, Mani hugged her mother tightly, realizing that her curiosity had almost led to a disaster. From that day on, she always followed the rules.
Moral
Listen to the wisdom of elders to avoid unnecessary danger.
