THE SELFISH TORTOISE

Assalamualaikum and a very good morning to the honourable judges, teachers and
friends. My story today is The Selfish Tortoise.
The tortoise went searching for food in a nearby forest because it was very hungry. He
was lucky, as there were a lot of green leaves around the place. As he was munching
delightfully, he enjoyed the cool breeze blowing slowly.
Oh, what a delightful day it is, he said to himself. While the tortoise was resting after his
tasty meal, a rat came running breathlessly towards it. The rat said, My friend, you had better
run. I saw a few farmers heading this way.
The tortoise was stunned to hear the news. He didnt know where to hide himself. He
couldnt run fast enough. The rat helped the tortoise to hide behind a large tree so that the
farmers wouldnt be able to find them.
When the farmers had gone away, they came out of their hiding. The tortoise thanked
the rat for his help. He was keen to become the rats best friend, as the rat had large ears to
hear and sense danger easily.
The rat accepted the friendship. He pitied his friend because the tortoise was such a
slow coach. The rat knew that one day the tortoise would be in danger and wouldnt be able to
save himself. Since they agreed to become good friends, the tortoise suggested that they tied
their legs with a string. The rat agreed.
They moved along together and the tortoise felt safe. As good friends, the rat followed
the tortoise wherever it went. The rat sometimes didnt go to places which the tortoise refused.
Being kind, he felt responsible for his friend. Therefore, he went along without much grumbling.

The tortoise was a selfish and dishonest friend. He only had his safety in mind and didnt
care about the rat. The rat was not aware of the tortoises selfishness.
One day, the bear attacked them. The rat quickly brought the tortoise to hide inside the
hollow of a tree. The bear came near and sniffed at the tree. Both the animals shivered in fear.
Luckily the bear left and both of them are safe. The tortoise laughed to himself.
The rat was very hungry. He suggested to the tortoise to go to a house at the edge of the
forest. The tortoise cunningly discouraged his friend as he feared that the house owner would
capture him.
The rat was very sad, as he had not eaten for three days after their legs had been tied
together. The rat had grown frail and thin. The rat then appealed to the tortoise for help, but the
tortoise still ignored him.
When the tortoise was fast asleep, a porcupine approached the rat. Hey friend, why did
you tie your leg to the tortoise? Doesnt this hamper your movement to look for food? asked the
porcupine.
Im aware of it, but I pity the tortoise as his life is in danger without my presence,
replied the rat. The porcupine was surprised by the answer and advised the rat to be careful.
The two animals continued to walk with their legs tied to each other. The rat repeatedly
requested his friend to go and search for food at the edge of the forest, but the tortoise was
stubborn. He ignored the rats request.
The tortoise was only concerned for himself. Walking side by side, they soon came near
a river. Hey rat, I want to eat fish. Would you like to follow me? asked the tortoise.

The rat heard his request in disbelief. Do you realize that I cannot swim? replied the
rat. The tortoise was very hungry, so he jumped into the river without thinking of his friends
safety.
The rat struggled in the water and tried to untie the string. The river currents were very
strong. He tried to save himself by clinging onto a fallen branch. The strong currents swept him
away and the rat was drowned. The selfish tortoise quickly untied the string and left the rats
body in the river. It was soon carried away to the sea.
As he was crawling hoe, a large tree fell onto the tortoise, breaking his shell. He yelled
loudly but no one came to help him. A tiny ant heard his cries but it was unable to help.
Finally, the tortoise died after being pinned under the tree for three days. The porcupine
felt very sad because the rat ignored his advice. The moral value is we should choose friends
wisely. Never fall prey to peoples sweet talk.