The Loyal Mongoose
Once, a farmer and his wife had a tiny pet mongoose that they loved like a son. They also had a little baby boy. One day, the mother had to go to the market. "Watch the baby," she told the farmer. But the farmer also had to leave for a moment, leaving the mongoose to guard the sleeping infant. While they were gone, a black snake slithered into the house toward the baby’s cradle! The brave mongoose didn't hesitate. He fought the snake fiercely and killed it to protect the child. When the mother returned, she saw the mongoose at the door with blood on its paws. Before checking on the baby, she panicked, thinking the mongoose had hurt her son. In her anger, she dropped her heavy water pot on the poor mongoose. She rushed inside, only to find her baby sleeping peacefully and a dead snake torn to pieces nearby. She realized her mistake and wept, but it was too late to take back her impulsive action. The Lesson: Look before you leap. Never act in haste or anger without knowing the full truth.