Two Friends and a Bear

Short Version

Once there were two good friends. One day, they were walking through a forest. Suddenly, they saw a big bear coming towards them.

One friend knew how to climb a tree. He quickly climbed a nearby tree and left his friend alone on the ground.

The other friend could not climb a tree. He knew that bears do not usually touch dead bodies. So, he lay down on the ground and closed his eyes. He did not move or make any sound.

The bear came near him and smelled his face and ears. The boy stayed very still. After some time, the bear thought he was dead and went away.

The first friend came down and asked, “What did the bear say to you?”

His friend replied, “The bear told me not to trust a friend who leaves me in danger.”

Moral: A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Expanded Version

Once there were two good friends. One day, they were travelling together through a forest. Before entering the forest, they promised to help each other if they faced any danger.

After walking for some time, they suddenly saw a big bear coming towards them. Both friends became frightened. One of them knew how to climb a tree. Without thinking about his friend, he quickly climbed a nearby tree and hid among the branches.

The other friend could not climb a tree. He was left alone on the ground. For a moment, he did not know what to do. Then he remembered hearing that bears usually do not touch dead bodies. He quickly lay flat on the ground, closed his eyes, and held his breath.

The bear came very close. It smelled the boy’s face, nose, and ears. The boy remained completely still. After some time, the bear thought that he was dead and slowly walked away.

When the danger was over, the first friend came down from the tree. Smiling, he asked, “What did the bear whisper in your ear?”

The other friend replied, “The bear told me never to trust a friend who leaves me alone in danger.”

Then he walked on, leaving the selfish friend behind.

Moral: A friend in need is a friend indeed.