Once, there was a greedy Fox who had eaten so much that he found himself with a bone lodged in his throat. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t swallow or dislodge it. Frustrated and desperate, he decided to seek help from the Stork, knowing her long beak could reach deep inside him.
“Please, kind Stork,” pleaded the Fox, “I’m in dire need. If you help me remove this bone, I promise to reward you generously.”
The Stork hesitated, sensing danger in putting her beak near the Fox’s mouth, but she was curious and a bit greedy herself. After some consideration, she agreed to assist him. Carefully, she approached and used her beak to pull out the troublesome bone.
Once free, the Fox felt relief wash over him. But as he turned to leave, the Stork asked, “What about my promised reward?”
The Fox chuckled, turning back with a sneer. “Reward? You should be grateful I didn’t bite your head off for sticking it in my mouth! Isn’t that enough?”
The Stork realized the Fox’s selfishness and knew she shouldn’t have expected anything from such a dishonest creature.
Moral:
Do not expect gratitude from those who lack honor. Associating with selfish individuals brings no benefit to anyone.