In a serene forest by the edge of a sparkling lake, there lived a cheerful duck named Ducky and a wise tortoise named Tully. Ducky was quick and loved to splash around in the water, while Tully was slow but steady, always taking his time to think things through. Though they were very different, they were the best of friends.
One sunny morning, a terrible storm from the previous night had left the forest in disarray. The bridge that connected the lake to the meadow—where all the animals gathered for their daily meals—had been swept away by the rushing waters. The animals were worried. Without the bridge, they couldn’t reach the meadow to eat the fresh grass and berries.
Ducky flapped her wings excitedly. “I can swim across the lake and get to the meadow in no time!” she quacked. “I’ll bring back food for everyone!” She dove into the water, her webbed feet paddling swiftly. But when she reached the other side, she realized the berries and grass were too heavy for her to carry back alone. She returned to the forest, her feathers drooping with disappointment.
Tully, who had been watching from the shore, slowly approached. “Don’t worry, Ducky,” he said in his calm, steady voice. “Let’s work together. I may be slow, but I’m strong. If you can guide me across the lake, I can help carry the food back.”
Ducky tilted her head. “But Tully, you can’t swim as fast as I can! It’ll take forever!”
Tully smiled. “Sometimes, slow and steady is just what we need. Trust me.”
Ducky agreed, and the two set off. Ducky swam ahead, showing Tully the safest path through the lake, while Tully followed, his sturdy legs paddling carefully. It took a long time, but Tully never gave up, and Ducky stayed by his side, encouraging him with cheerful quacks.
When they finally reached the meadow, Tully’s strength came in handy. He loaded a big pile of grass and berries onto his strong shell, and with Ducky guiding him back, they crossed the lake again. The other animals cheered as they arrived with the food, amazed at how the two friends had worked together.
Ducky beamed at Tully. “I thought being fast was the only way, but your patience and strength saved the day!”
Tully nodded wisely. “And your speed and guidance helped me get there. We’re better together.”
From that day on, the animals in the forest learned to value both speed and patience, and Ducky and Tully’s friendship grew even stronger.
Moral: Patience and teamwork can achieve what speed alone cannot.