The Ant and the Dove

On a hot summer day, a thirsty ant walked to a stream to drink some water.

She climbed onto a small stone near the edge, but the stone was wet and slippery.

Suddenly, the ant lost her balance and fell into the rushing water.

— Help! — she cried as the current carried her away.

A dove resting on a tree branch saw the ant struggling. The dove quickly picked a large leaf and dropped it into the stream beside her.

The ant climbed onto the leaf. The water carried it gently toward the bank, where she stepped safely onto dry ground.

— Thank you for saving me, — said the ant.

A few days later, the ant saw a hunter walking quietly toward the tree. He was carrying a net and wanted to catch the dove, who did not notice him.

The ant crawled onto the hunter's foot and bit him as hard as she could.

— Ouch! — shouted the hunter.

The sudden noise frightened the dove, and she flew safely away.

Later, the dove returned to thank the ant. From that day on, they remained good friends, knowing that even the smallest act of kindness could make a great difference.