Deep in the forest lived four very unusual friends—a deer, a crow, a turtle, and a rat. Though all so different, they cared deeply for one another.
One bright morning, the deer wandered off to nibble fresh grass. Suddenly, he stepped into a hunter’s trap. The ropes tightened around him, and no matter how he pulled, he couldn’t escape. Hearing his cries, the crow flew quickly to the turtle and the rat. “Our friend is in trouble!” he shouted. Together, they hurried to the trapped deer.
The rat said, “Don’t worry, my sharp teeth will help.” He began to gnaw the ropes. The crow flapped around, circling above to keep watch. The turtle crawled near, warning them if anyone approached. Just as the last rope snapped, the hunter appeared in the distance, carrying a bow. “Run, run!” cried the turtle. The deer leapt free, and the crow flew high. The rat scurried into a bush, but the turtle was too slow.
The hunter caught him and tied him in a bag. The friends huddled, whispering. Quickly, the deer lay down in the path as if dead. The hunter spotted him and dropped the bag with the turtle, rushing to claim the deer. At once, the crow flew close and cawed loudly in his ear, startling him. The deer sprang up and bounded away. Meanwhile, the rat chewed open the turtle’s bag, setting him free.
All four hugged joyfully. Moral: True friendship and teamwork can overcome any danger.