Hyena the Hungry Pot Learns to Share

In the thick green jungle, there lived a talking cooking pot named Hyena. He had a big round belly, two little handles for ears, and a lid that flipped up and down like a mouth. But Hyena had a problem - he was very, very greedy!

One sunny morning, Hyena smelled something delicious. "Mmm, that's meat!" he said, wobbling through the jungle on his little pot feet. He found Antelope's house and peeked through the window. There on the table sat a big plate of juicy meat.

"I must have that meat all for myself!" whispered greedy Hyena. He waited until Antelope left to fetch water from the river. Then Hyena sneaked inside, his lid clanking quietly.

But clever Antelope knew someone might try to steal his food! He had put very hot pepper all over the meat to keep it safe. Hyena didn't know this. He opened his lid-mouth wide and GULP! He swallowed all the meat in one big bite.

"OUCH! OW! HOT! HOT! HOT!" cried Hyena, hopping around the room. Steam puffed from his spout! His belly burned! He ran outside, tears streaming down his pot face. "Water! I need water!"

Antelope came back and saw Hyena crying. Even though Hyena had tried to steal from him, kind Antelope felt sorry. He gave Hyena cool water to drink. "Why did you take my food without asking?" Antelope asked gently.

"I was hungry and greedy," sobbed Hyena. "I'm so sorry! I should have asked to share instead of stealing."

Antelope smiled. "Would you like to have lunch with me? I have more food, without hot pepper! Friends share with each other."

Hyena's lid-mouth smiled for the first time. "Really? You'd share with me after what I did?"

"Everyone makes mistakes," said Antelope. "What matters is learning from them."

From that day on, Hyena the pot learned that sharing is much better than stealing. He and Antelope became the best of friends, and they always ate meals together in the jungle.

The End.