“Once upon a time, in a lush forest teeming with life, there lived a wise old frog named Freddy. Freddy was known far and wide for his kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
One day, as Freddy was enjoying a leisurely swim in the river, he heard a frantic cry for help. Looking around, he spotted a struggling scorpion named Sally, desperately trying to stay afloat amidst the rushing currents.
Moved by compassion, Freddy swam over to Sally and offered to help her across the river. “Hop on my back,” he said, “and I’ll carry you safely to the other side.”
Sally, grateful for Freddy’s offer, hesitated for a moment. “But Freddy,” she said, “won’t you be afraid that I’ll sting you?”
Freddy smiled reassuringly. “I trust you, Sally. Besides, if you were to sting me, we’d both drown in these waters. It wouldn’t make sense for you to do that.”
With a sense of relief, Sally climbed onto Freddy’s back, and they began their journey across the river. The waters were turbulent, but Freddy swam steadily, his strong legs propelling them forward.
Midway across the river, just as they were nearing the opposite bank, Freddy felt a sharp pain in his back. He looked down to see Sally’s stinger buried deep in his skin.
“Why, Sally? Why did you sting me?” Freddy cried out in disbelief as they both began to sink beneath the surface.
Sally, her voice filled with regret, replied, “I’m sorry, Freddy. It’s in my nature. I couldn’t help myself.”
As they vanished beneath the water, their fate sealed by the scorpion’s fatal sting, the other creatures of the forest watched in sorrow, reminded of the age-old truth that sometimes, despite our best intentions, nature’s instincts cannot be overcome.” ~ an old Russian Fable
