The Rabbit and the Crocodile: A Bond Beyond Hunger

Once upon a time, in a beautiful forest filled with lush greenery, a calm river flowed gracefully through its heart. The forest was home to many animals and birds. A little rabbit lived happily among the bushes, while a crocodile made his home in the river.

Whenever the crocodile came up to the riverbank, the other animals and birds would get frightened and run away. They believed he was dangerous. The crocodile, however, never harmed anyone unless they teased or attacked him. Most of the time, he quietly fed on fish and other river creatures.

One sunny day, the rabbit was hopping around playfully and came close to the river. Suddenly, the crocodile appeared from the water. For a moment, they stared at each other — but instead of being scared, the rabbit smiled.

The crocodile was surprised. Then, slowly, he smiled back. That was the beginning of a gentle friendship. They started meeting often by the riverbank. One day, the crocodile asked, "Little rabbit, aren't you afraid of me? All the other animals run away when they see me, even when I don't harm them."

The rabbit replied with a calm smile, "No, I am not afraid. I have seen you as a kind and gentle creature. You never attack anyone without reason. You only protect yourself when someone tries to harm you. That's why I'm not scared of you."

The crocodile was deeply touched. From that day onward, their bond grew stronger — one of trust, understanding, and friendship that the forest had never seen before.

Soon, they became inseparable friends. The rabbit visited the crocodile every evening. He would share stories about the animals, birds, trees, and flowers of the forest, while the crocodile told tales of sea creatures and underwater plants. Sometimes, the crocodile gave the rabbit a joyful ride on his back across the river, while the rabbit playfully placed carrots on his eyes to tease him. They were the best of friends, laughing and caring for each other.

One evening, the crocodile asked curiously, "Why do you visit me only in the evenings? What do you do all day?"

The rabbit replied, "I have a small home in an old cave. I spend my day gathering food and storing it for difficult times. Don't you do the same?"

The crocodile smiled and said, "No, my friend. My life flows with the river. By God's grace, I've never faced hunger. The river always provides."

Months passed in their happy friendship. But that year, summer came harsher than ever before. The trees began to dry, and the river started shrinking day by day.

For a week, the rabbit couldn't come to meet the crocodile. The crocodile, too, was growing weaker from hunger as the river life vanished. After almost twenty days, one evening, the rabbit finally came. He looked healthy — perhaps because of the food he had stored. But the crocodile looked frail and tired.

Their eyes met, and the rabbit noticed something different in his friend's gaze — a silent struggle between hunger and love.

The crocodile came closer and asked softly, "Don't you feel something different today?" The rabbit nodded gently. "Yes, I do. But it's all right."

The crocodile's voice trembled, "Aren't you afraid of me now? I am weak and starving. I could eat you… and survive."

The rabbit looked into his eyes and said calmly, "I know you can. But I also know you won't. Our friendship is stronger than your hunger. And even if you do, I'll have no regret. It would mean that I helped my friend when he had no other way to live."

Hearing this, the crocodile broke down in tears. He whispered, "I am sorry… I couldn't hold our friendship against my hunger."

The rabbit smiled softly and replied, "You did, my friend. You didn't attack me. That's proof enough of your strength. Now, let's not lose hope. Let's pray for rain together."

The two closed their eyes and prayed sincerely. And as if nature itself heard their hearts, the sky roared and rain began to pour heavily.

Within days, the forest turned green again, and the river regained its strength. Life returned, and so did their happiness.

From that day on, the rabbit and the crocodile lived as true friends — a symbol of trust, faith, and friendship that even hunger could not break.

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Bedtime Fables by HM