The Athlete and the Flea
Long ago a strong athlete lived in a pretty town beyond the green valleys. Every day this man ran, lifted heavy stones and showed his muscles to everyone. He joined big races, won gold medals and felt proud of himself. But a tiny, quick and curious flea also lived in this town. One sunny morning the athlete rested in the garden and a flea landed on his leg. The flea was very hungry and it bit the strong athlete's leg.
The athlete jumped up in pain and looked at his leg with anger. When he saw the tiny flea, his eyes opened wide with rage. He lifted his hand at once and tried to catch the flea. But the little flea jumped far away and escaped immediately. The athlete took a deep breath and shouted up at the sky. "O great heroes, come quickly and help me!" he cried.
"I need your power against this dangerous monster!" he said. Just then an old and wise grandfather walked past and heard the athlete. The wise grandfather smiled and came near the athlete. "Are you calling the great heroes for one tiny flea?" he asked. The athlete heard these words, felt very ashamed and lowered his head. He understood: everyone must solve his own small problems. Asking for great help in small matters makes a person look funny. Nobody burns the blanket because of one flea.