Deep in the heart of a lush, green jungle, beside a wide, winding river, lived a very clever monkey named Miko. Miko was known for his quick wit and even quicker jumps between the tallest trees, where he loved to munch on juicy, ripe red berries.
One sunny afternoon, a big, friendly-looking crocodile named Crunch often visited Miko’s berry tree. Crunch would swim up to the riverbank, and Miko would drop him the sweetest berries. Soon, a most unusual friendship blossomed between the tree-dwelling monkey and the river-dwelling crocodile. They would chatter for hours, sharing stories and laughter.
One day, Crunch went home to his deep, dark den. His wife, a grumpy, old crocodile named Snapper, saw how happy Crunch was after visiting his friend. “What makes you so gleeful, Crunch?” she grumbled.
When Crunch told her about Miko, Snapper’s eyes gleamed with a terrible, greedy idea. “A monkey’s heart!” she hissed. “They say a monkey’s heart, especially one that eats sweet berries, is the most delicious thing in the world! You must get it for me, Crunch. I simply must taste it!”
Poor Crunch loved his wife, but he also valued his friendship with Miko. He tried to argue, but Snapper was insistent. Finally, with a heavy heart, Crunch agreed to his wife’s wicked plan.
The next day, Crunch swam to Miko’s tree, looking unusually solemn. “Miko, my friend!” he called, trying to sound cheerful. “My wife has heard so much about you. She wants to invite you to a grand feast at our home across the river! Hop on my back, and I’ll give you a ride.”
Miko, always up for an adventure, eagerly agreed. He leaped onto Crunch’s broad, scaly back, and they set off across the wide river.
Midway across, where the water was deepest and swirled the fastest, Crunch stopped. “Miko,” he mumbled, his voice thick with guilt, “I have a confession. My wife wants to eat your heart. I’m taking you to her.”
Miko’s eyes widened. He felt a shiver of fear, but his clever mind started working instantly. He knew crocodiles loved stories and believed strange things.
“Oh, Crunch, my dear friend!” Miko exclaimed, pretending to be very silly. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Don’t you know that monkeys keep their hearts safe? We don’t carry them around all the time! I left my heart hanging on the juiciest branch of my berry tree, where it gets fresh air! We must go back for it!”
Crunch, being a simple crocodile, believed him completely. “Oh dear! Of course, a heart needs fresh air! What a silly mistake I made!” he grumbled to himself. He turned around immediately and swam back to Miko’s tree.
The moment Crunch reached the riverbank, Miko leaped off his back with incredible speed. He scrambled up the tallest branches, chattering loudly from the safety of the leaves.
“You silly crocodile!” Miko called down, laughing. “Do you truly believe a creature can live without its heart? You tried to trick me, but my wits are quicker than your jaws!”
Crunch, realizing he had been completely outsmarted, hung his head in shame. He had lost a friend and gained nothing but a valuable lesson. Miko, safe in his tree, continued to enjoy his berries, forever thankful for his quick thinking.
Moral of the Story:Intelligence and quick thinking can often overcome brute strength or cunning plans. Always use your brain before you let others trick you!
