“Treasure of Friendship: The Tale of Bessie and Claude”
Once upon a time, in the wild savannah of Africa, lived a peculiar pair of friends — Bessie, the cheerful spotted cow, and Claude, the fearsome Nile crocodile.
Despite their unconventional friendship, they had a deep respect for each other. Bessie would often visit the riverbank, where Claude basked in the sun, and they would exchange tales of their everyday adventures.
One sweltering afternoon, Bessie wandered too close to the river’s edge, and in a blink of an eye, she was snatched by a hungry Claude. Bessie’s fear was immense, but she realized this was a mistake and that Claude couldn’t recognize her.
Caught inside the dark belly of the beast, Bessie knew she had to convince her friend to let her out. She summoned all her courage and shouted, “Claude! It’s me, Bessie. I have a secret to tell you!”
Claude, surprised to hear Bessie’s voice from within, grumbled, “Bessie? Is that really you?”
“Yes, Claude, it’s me!” Bessie shouted. “I have a secret to share, but you must promise to let me out.”
Intrigued, Claude agreed, his curiosity overcoming his hunger. With a mighty heave, he spat Bessie back onto the riverbank, relieved that his friend was safe, if somewhat slimy.
After catching her breath, Bessie began her story. “Once, when I was a young calf, my mother told me an ancient tale passed down through generations. There is a great treasure hidden beneath the mighty Baobab tree by this very river.”
Claude’s eyes widened, “A treasure?” He echoed, his imagination wandering to the mystical tales of gold and jewels he’d heard of in his youth.
“Yes,” continued Bessie, “but there’s a catch. The treasure can only be unearthed under the full moon by one who truly values friendship over wealth.”
Intrigued, Claude agreed to accompany Bessie on the next full moon. When the day came, they set out towards the Baobab tree together, their hearts filled with excitement and apprehension.
Under the silver glow of the full moon, Claude and Bessie reached the Baobab tree. Claude used his mighty tail to dig around the tree’s base. Finally, he hit something hard. As he unearthed it, a magnificent chest glittered in the moonlight.
But when they opened it, they found no gold or jewels, but an ancient scroll. On it was inscribed, “True wealth lies not in worldly possessions but in the company of a faithful friend.”
As they read these words, Bessie and Claude looked at each other and smiled. They had indeed found a treasure that night. A treasure of understanding and appreciating their unique friendship.
