The Fox and the Stork

This story is called The Fox and the Stork, a traditional fable by Aesop, read by Molly. This is a LibraryCall adaptation and recording. A long time ago, when animals lived in harmony, the Fox and the Stork were best friends. They spent many wonderful moments together. Some days, they set off on nature explorations, discovering hidden treasures in the forest. Other times, they gathered in the evening and sang lively tunes. They were nearly always in happy company together. However, every now and then, the mischievous side of the Fox would emerge, and he couldn't resist playing tricks on his friend. One night, the Fox invited the Stork to join him in his den for dinner. When the Stork arrived, she saw that the Fox had taken extra care to prepare for an elegant meal. On his table, he had laid out a fine floral tablecloth, soft napkins folded into the shape of storks, and a set of candlesticks, standing tall and proud like the stilt legs of a bird. The Stork was so mesmerized by the flicker and glow of the candlesticks that it took her a moment to notice what the Fox had prepared for dinner: nothing but some fish soup in shallow silver dishes. The Fox watched as his friend tried unsuccessfully to eat her dinner, and chuckled to himself. With his short snout, he could easily lean his face over the dish and lap up the soup. But the Stork, a bird with an exceptionally long bill, could barely wet the tip of her beak. Her soup remained in the dish, uneaten. "You don’t like the soup?" asked the Fox, secretly congratulating himself for playing such a funny trick on his friend. The stork could tell the fox had played a trick on her, but she wasn’t amused. She was just hungry. “It’s not that I don’t like the soup,” said the Stork, “it’s just that I must be heading home now. I’ll look forward to hosting you for dinner next time,” she said slyly. And they set a date for the Fox to visit the Stork. A few days later, the Fox made his way to the Stork's home, eager to see what she had planned for their dinner. As he arrived, he noticed the Stork had also set a beautifully decorated table, adorned with a centerpiece of meadow flowers. The aroma of something delicious filled the air, making the Fox’s mouth water. The Fox took his seat, excited to see what awaited him. To his surprise, the Stork brought out two tall, narrow glasses filled with a vegetable broth that simmered with the savory scent of herbs and spices. The Fox's eyes widened, realizing the glasses were too slender for his short snout to reach. He struggled, attempting to take a sip, but it was no use. The Stork couldn't help but giggle at her friend's predicament. "Oh, dear Fox, it seems these glasses are better suited for birds with long beaks like mine," she teased. The fox suddenly realized why his friend had been in no mood to laugh at his joke a few days earlier. His feelings were hurt, and on top of that he was hungry. He felt ashamed. With his tail between his legs he said, “My dear friend, I suppose I deserved this. I’m sorry, will you forgive me?” The stork laughed. “Of course! But in the future, remember to treat others as you hope to be treated yourself” And she brought out a shallow dish for her friend, and served him some soup. This has been The Fox and the Stork, a traditional fable by Aesop, read by Molly. This has been a LibraryCall adaptation and recording.