The Monkey and the Snake
In a dense jungle, there lived a clever monkey who loved exploring the treetops and a cunning snake who slithered silently on the ground. Despite their differences, they shared the same watering hole and often crossed paths.
One day, the monkey was swinging from branch to branch when he noticed a basket of ripe bananas lying near the foot of a tree. Excited by the find, he climbed down to grab them. However, as he reached for the bananas, the snake hissed from a nearby rock.
"Be careful, Monkey," warned the snake. "These bananas belong to the hunter who set traps in the jungle. Take one step closer, and you'll be caught."
The monkey paused but quickly laughed. "You just want the bananas for yourself! I'll take my chances."
Ignoring the snake's warning, the monkey lunged for the bananas. Suddenly, a net sprang up from the ground, trapping him. The hunter, alerted by the sound, began running toward the trap.
The snake slithered closer and whispered, "I tried to warn you, but now you'll need my help. Stay still, and I'll loosen the net." The monkey, desperate, agreed. The snake used his sharp fangs to tear through the ropes.
Just as the hunter arrived, the monkey leaped free and scampered up the tree. Safe among the branches, he called down to the snake, "Thank you, Snake. I doubted your intentions, but you saved me."
The snake replied, "Not all warnings are selfish. Sometimes, they come from wisdom. Remember this the next time you ignore advice."
