The Moon’s Reflection

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One summer, the land burned dry and rivers turned to dust. Parched and desperate, a herd of elephants thundered toward a shining lake. With each heavy step, joy filled their hearts—but terror seized the hares who lived along its banks. Nests were crushed, burrows collapsed, families scattered.

In their grief, the hares gathered. Some wailed, some pleaded for escape, but one—small, calm, and clear of mind—spoke above the cries: “Strength will not shield us. Only wisdom can.”

The little hare went alone to face the mighty king of elephants. Standing firm before his towering shadow, he declared, “Stop! This is no common lake. It belongs to the moon god himself. In trampling his children, you invite his fury.”

The elephant king faltered. “If this is true, how may we seek forgiveness?”

The hare led him to the still waters. There, the full moon floated in radiant silence. “Behold,” said the hare, “the god in meditation. Disturb him again, and doom will follow.”

Humbled, the elephant lowered his head. With reverence, the herd withdrew, never to return. And so the hares, spared by wit, lived in peace beneath the moon’s gentle glow.

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Moral: The meek endure when wisdom bends the mighty.

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