In a dense green jungle, where sunlight danced through leaves and parrots chirped from the treetops, lived a quiet tortoise named Tito. Tito was known for being slow, yes—but also for being thoughtful, kind, and unusually wise. He enjoyed peaceful walks, listening to the wind, and noticing little things others often missed.
One sunny morning, Tito was walking along a narrow trail beside a stream. The path was quiet except for the rustling of leaves and the soft crunch of his slow steps. Suddenly, a low growl came from the bushes.
Out jumped Rony the Fox, his eyes sharp and hungry.
“Well, well, Tito,” Rony smirked, blocking the path. “Out for another lazy stroll? That shell of yours must be so heavy. Why not come out of it? Stretch a little? Enjoy the grass. It’s soft and cool today.”
Tito stopped, tilting his head thoughtfully. He had met Rony before. The fox was clever but often used his brain to trick others, especially the weak or slow.
“I admit,” Tito said with a calm smile, “soft grass sounds lovely. But first—I’ve always heard foxes are excellent singers. Is that true? I’d love to hear your voice. Just one song?”
Rony’s ears perked up. He loved compliments. “Of course it’s true! I have the best voice in the jungle,” he said, puffing out his chest. “Better than the birds!”
Tito blinked slowly. “Sing something, please. I want to hear the famous Rony melody before I lie in the grass.”
Excited, Rony climbed on a rock and howled dramatically.
“Awooooooo! Lalala—wooooo! I am the singer of the trees!”
The entire forest seemed to freeze. Birds flew away. Deer looked up in alarm. Rony’s voice echoed far and wide—and not in a good way.
In a nearby field, a farmer, who had been watering his plants, looked toward the jungle, startled. “That sound again! Is it that fox who keeps scaring my animals?”
The farmer grabbed a stick and marched toward the noise.
Tito, still in his shell, smiled inwardly. “Now we wait,” he whispered to himself.
Rony was so caught up in his howling that he didn’t hear the farmer until it was too late.
“Hey! You there! Stop that awful noise!” the farmer shouted, waving his stick.
Panicking, Rony yelped, “Not again!” and darted into the bushes, disappearing in a flash of fur.
The jungle fell silent. Tito peeked out, his calm eyes twinkling.
“Poor Rony,” he said, not unkindly. “Always in a rush, always chasing praise, and always falling into his own trap.”
Tito continued his walk peacefully, watching the butterflies flutter and the ants carry food together. He was still slow. But in his slowness, he saw more, felt more, and thought more than most others did.
Moral
Being clever doesn’t mean being tricky—it means using your mind wisely and patiently. True strength lies not in speed or show, but in understanding the moment, staying calm, and acting with thought.
Just because someone tries to outsmart you doesn’t mean you have to rush. Wisdom, kindness, and timing often win over arrogance and speed.