In a certain enchanted forest there lived a Wolf. One day he decided to go for a walk. Although the weather wasn't particularly inviting—it looked like rain might come—he decided to venture out anyway and see how things were going in the forest.
His mood had been splendid since morning, and it seemed nothing could dampen his spirits.
So off he went along a wide forest path, looking about him, admiring the nature, when suddenly, out of nowhere, appeared the Fox herself.
Hello there, cousin,
The Wolf called out to her,
I can see you're not in good spirits. What's the matter? Usually your lovely smile puts me in a cheerful mood.
Hello, friend,
The Fox replied,
The weather today isn't the sort to make one happy. Rain could start any minute. I'm not keen on having to find shelter.
You're mistaken, little Fox,
The Wolf decided to prove her wrong,
Rain is very necessary. If it never came, how would we survive?
You're not thinking straight,
The Fox persisted,
Without rain we'd be much better off: we could walk about peacefully, have fun, organise various activities and even hunt.
But everything around us could dry up if rain doesn't water it in time,
The Wolf insisted with authority,
There would be no green grass, no beautiful flowers, no leaves on the trees.
Why would it suddenly dry up?
The Fox protested,
I'll never believe you.
But the Wolf stood his ground:
I'll prove to you, cousin, that you're wrong.
I'm curious—why am I wrong?
The Fox was beginning to get cross.
Listen, we'll take two extraordinarily beautiful violets. And you know what?
The Wolf decided he could convince the Fox,
I'll give one to you, and I'll keep the other.
Oh, I'm grateful to you for such a gift,
The Fox lit up with joy.
That's not all,
The Wolf continued,
Go home, get a pot, fill it with soil, plant the flower in it and don't you dare water it, whilst I'll do the opposite—water mine every day—and we'll compare the results.
Alright,
The Fox agreed,
I'll do as you ask.
Three days passed since their conversation. The Wolf went into the forest again and waited for the Fox. Finally, she appeared without delay.
Hello, dear neighbour, what do you have to say about our little flower?
The Wolf began the conversation.
The Fox looked sad and dejected:
You see, Wolf, I did as you asked, planted the violet. But it dried up for some reason. Yes, I didn't water it. Well, so what? This shouldn't have happened, I'm very upset. How are you getting on? What's happened to your little flower?
Oh, I'm doing splendidly,
The Wolf reported happily,
My flower didn't dry up because I watered it. It's become even more beautiful, and its fragrance fills my entire home.
I'm very sorry,
Said the Fox,
I was absolutely enchanted by the beauty of that violet.
Don't be so upset, cousin Fox,
The Wolf comforted her,
I'll give you another one. Here, take it. Now you understand that all living plants die without water? Plant it the same way, in a pot with soil, and make sure it's always watered. And in return, it will reward you by delighting you with its beauty.
Alright, Wolf, the Fox promised,
I understand now. Thank you for teaching me. I'll always water my flowers from now on.
