"My Fables" (Completed)

117TH FABLE: ENGLISH

"Time is Gold"

Once upon a time, in a bustling village surrounded by fields, there lived a hardworking ant named Alba. Alba was renowned for her unwavering dedication and her deep understanding of the value of time. She believed that time was as precious as gold and should be cherished and utilized wisely.

In the same village, there was a carefree locust named Leo. Leo spent his days hopping and leaping, never considering the passing of time. He often mocked Alba, deeming her too serious and overly concerned with work.

One bright day, as Alba was diligently gathering food for the approaching winter, Leo approached her with a mischievous grin. "Why do you toil so ceaselessly, Alba?" he asked. "Can't you see the beauty and freedom around us? There's plenty of time to enjoy life. You should learn to relax and have some fun!"

Alba paused for a moment, considering Leo's words, and then replied, "Dear Leo, life is indeed beautiful, and we should find joy in it. However, time is a finite resource, just like gold. If we fritter it away without purpose, we may find ourselves ill-prepared when adversity strikes."

Leo brushed off her words, believing that he could always find time later, and continued his carefree existence, while Alba continued her industrious ways, gathering and storing provisions for the upcoming winter.

As the seasons changed, the village faced a great challenge. Swarms of locusts descended upon the fields, devouring every blade of grass and crop in their path. The once-fertile land became barren, and the village was on the brink of starvation. Leo, along with his fellow locusts, suddenly found themselves without sustenance.

Hunger gnawed at Leo's belly, and a sense of regret washed over him. He realized the gravity of his folly in squandering time. With a heavy heart, he approached Alba, his pride humbled.

"Alba, I have come to understand the true value of time," Leo said earnestly. "I regret my careless ways and now appreciate the wisdom in your diligent work. Please forgive me, and if it's not too late, share some of your provisions with me."

Alba, though disappointed by Leo's lack of foresight, recognized the sincerity in his eyes. She showed compassion and shared her provisions, saying, "Leo, time is indeed a precious resource, and it is crucial that we utilize it wisely. But it is never too late to learn from our mistakes. May this experience serve as a reminder for you to value time and make the most of it moving forward."

Grateful for Alba's kindness and wisdom, Leo vowed to change his ways. He transformed into a hardworking locust, understanding the importance of time and the rewards of diligent effort.

Word of Leo's transformation spread throughout the land, inspiring other locusts to reconsider their carefree ways and value the significance of time. Leo became a symbol of the importance of cherishing and utilizing time effectively.

The moral of the story is that time, like gold, is a precious resource that should not be squandered. It teaches us to appreciate the passing moments, make the most of our time, and strike a balance between work and enjoyment. By valuing time, we can lead fulfilling lives and achieve our goals, even in the face of adversity.