The Fox and the Sick Monkey
Once upon a time, in the heart of a mysterious forest where huge trees covered the sky with their lush leaves, there lived a red fox known for his cunning. On the high crags of this forest, however, reigned an exceedingly arrogant old monkey who had declared himself the tyrant of the forest. One day, a strange whisper that spread through the forest drove all the deceitful creatures and the innocent animals into deep curiosity. According to what was told, the old monkey had suddenly fallen ill with a merciless disease and had taken to his bed in his dark cave. The damp and cool air of the cave seemed to invite the creatures outside to visit this old ruler. The helpful gazelles, rabbits and birds who heard the news took the road to the cave in turn, wishing to offer their get-well wishes. The red fox, known for his suspicious nature, did not hurry at once but decided to hide behind the bushes near the cave and watch the surroundings.
The moans rising from the cave drowned the innocent forest dwellers outside in sorrow and encouraged them to step inside. The monkey was calling out in a weak voice, "Oh my dear friends, come to my side in these lonely days and give me comfort." But when the fox raised his pointed nose into the air and examined the ground carefully, he noticed a strange detail. On the soft mud, many fresh footprints leading inward were clearly visible. However, he understood that there was not a single track leading outward from the dark mouth of the cave. The cunning monkey inside, when he saw the shadow of the fox, insisted in a feeble voice that he too should come in. The monkey asked, "Why are you standing outside, beautiful fox, will you not come in and comfort your old friend?"
The fox, keeping his safe distance upon the crags, answered the monkey with a clever smile. "My intention was to visit you, dear monkey, but the signs on the ground stopped me," said the fox. "I see many footprints entering your cave, but there is not a single track coming back out of it," he added. The monkey in the guise of a sick creature, understanding that his trap had been exposed, sank into silence in shame and anger. The clever fox moved away quickly from the dangerous cave and went on living freely in the depths of the forest. A clever person is one who observes the mistakes others have fallen into and takes his own steps with prudence. A village in plain sight needs no guide.