In a certain forest there was a bright clearing where animals gathered every day. They talked to each other, argued about things, and even put on real concerts. Usually there was quite a racket, but today only two voices could be heard.
What do you know? You're living in the lap of luxury!
The Hare protested indignantly.
As if your life is so hard!
The Wolf snapped back.
Nobody in our forest bothers you—just munch on carrots and steal cabbage from gardens.
Oh, give me a break! And you just run around the forest having tea parties with the fox. While I…
Enough arguing.
Suddenly a voice rang out in the forest. The Wise Owl had entered the clearing.
I can help you figure out who has it harder. I'll swap your tails for a day, and you'll each live the other's life.
And then the Owl waved her wing—and a short grey tail grew on the Wolf. She waved again—and a long grey tail grew on the Hare. And so it was settled.
The Hare hopped through the forest quite pleased with himself, showing off to the local crows. But his happiness didn't last long. He decided to snatch some cabbage from the village, but it didn't work out. As soon as his tail flashed in the bushes—shots rang out! The hunters chased the poor bunny for ages; he barely escaped with his life. After thinking hard, he headed to the clearing to wait for the Wolf.
Things didn't go smoothly for the Wolf either. At first he was delighted, darting through the forest unnoticed by anyone. But in his excitement, the forest creature wandered onto someone else's clearing.
And there sat the fox.
Oh, what a lovely little hare.
She smiled cunningly.
What are you talking about? Are you blind?
The grey hunter protested.
I'm a Wolf.
What wolf? That tiny grey tail—you're definitely a hare.
I agree.
The bear emerged from the bushes. And they reached out with their clawed paws toward the poor Wolf. He too had to run for his life. They met at the clearing—the exhausted Wolf and the breathless Hare with his tail between his legs.
Forgive me, Grey One.
The Hare pleaded.
Your life is hard; I was wrong.
No, you forgive me. How do you manage to run from everyone and get everything done? You were right—you have it harder.
And don't argue anymore.
Once again the Wise Owl entered the clearing.
Life is difficult for everyone; it only seems easy from the outside. And until you've walked a day in someone else's shoes, don't judge anyone!
