The Rabbit and the Turtle (An Original Children's Story)

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Long ago, there was a shy rabbit who lived in a great, big forest. He seldom talked to anyone and would rather spend the day reading books than playing with other animals. He would hide in his hole and finish whatever book he was reading, while the others were merrily hopping and singing outside. He was contented.

One day, he ran out of supplies, so he decided to leave his hole to find some food. He noticed that the others were not around, so he quietly strolled to do his task. Not long after, he heard the sound of laughters and screams from a distance. It sounded like the other animals were having fun, and he decided to ignore them like he always did. But as he was about to go the other way, he heard an unfamiliar voice. And compared to the other voices, this one didn't sound like he was having any fun at all. So the little rabbit went to see what was happening.

The animals were huddled around a poor creature. They were all laughing because it was too slow and meek. The rabbit felt sorry for the little fellow and spoke, "Let him go."

They all turned to him with surprised looks on their faces. Even the rabbit was surprised with himself. He was ready to take back what he had said when the animals started to move away from the creature and towards him.

"Why should we leave him alone?," the fox asked the rabbit.

"Because he's scared. He wants to go," he replied in a shaky voice.

"Well, we were just trying to introduce ourselves. Do I look scary?," the squirrel interrupted.

"How about this," said the fox, "why don't the two of you go on a race, and whoever wins will be allowed to leave."

All the animals agreed except for the rabbit. He told them it was unfair because no one should be treated that way. But they won't hear any of it. The other animals insisted that it was the best thing to do, and that if the rabbit really wanted to save the turtle, he must be willing to stay. The turtle remained quiet, feeling sorry for himself and for the kind rabbit. He was already preparing himself for the worst, when the rabbit finally answered.

"Alright, let's do a race," he said as he winked at the turtle.

The race began, and as expected, the turtle was left far behind. The animals all laughed and told him it was useless, and that he shouldn't waste his time. But what they all didn't know was that the rabbit had hidden himself in a hole and waited for the turtle to reach him.

And alas! The turtle fell into the rabbit's hole, and the next thing he knew, he was riding on the rabbit's back and they were hopping among the tall bushes to stay hidden. "Just hold on tight until we're far enough," the rabbit said to him.

Just as it was about to get dark, they found a safe place where they could stay. The turtle thanked his new friend for saving him from the other animals.

"But why did you save me?," he asked.

"Because what they did to you was wrong. Instead of making fun of others, we should lift them up and help them overcome their weaknesses."

"You're right. Again, thank you. I will never forget your kindness," the turtle murmured as he closed his eyes and fell asleep, grateful that he was finally safe.