In a certain fairy-tale forest there lived a Wolf. One day he decided to go for a walk. Although the weather wasn't particularly inviting—it looked as though rain might come—he nonetheless decided to take a stroll and see how things were getting on around him.
His mood had been splendid since morning, and it seemed nothing could dampen his spirits.
So off he went along a broad forest path, looking about him, admiring the nature, when suddenly, out of nowhere, appeared the Fox herself.
Hello there, cousin,
The Wolf greeted her,
I see you're looking rather glum. What's the matter? Usually your lovely smile puts me in good spirits.
Hello, friend,
Replied the Fox,
The weather today isn't the sort to be cheerful about. Rain could start any moment. 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 manage?
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,
Insisted the Wolf with authority,
There would be no green grass, no beautiful flowers, no leaves on the trees.
Why on earth would it suddenly dry up?
Protested the Fox,
I'll never believe you.
But the Wolf stood firm:
I'll prove to you, cousin, that you're wrong.
I'm curious—why am I wrong?
The Fox was beginning to get cross.
Now, 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,
Continued the Wolf,
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 with water and we'll compare the results.
Very well,
Agreed the Fox,
I'll do as you ask.
Three days passed since their conversation. The Wolf went into the forest again and waited for the Fox. At last she appeared, without keeping him waiting.
Hello, dear neighbour, what do you say about our little flower?
The Wolf began the conversation.
The Fox looked sad and downcast:
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, everything's splendid with me,
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 whole home.
I'm very sorry,
Said the Fox,
I was absolutely enchanted by the beauty of that violet.
Now, don't be so upset, cousin Fox,
The Wolf comforted her,
I'll give you another one. Here, take it. Do you understand now that all living plants perish 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.
Very well, Wolf, promised the Fox,
I understand now. Thank you for teaching me. I shall always water my flowers from now on.
