Don't jadage the book by its cover.

**The Lion and the Mouse**
*A Tale of Kindness and Courage*

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### **Chapter 1: The King of the Savannah**

In the heart of the vast African savannah, where golden grasses swayed under the endless blue sky, there ruled a mighty lion named **Simba**. His roar echoed across the plains, striking fear into the hearts of all who heard it. The animals respected him, not just for his strength, but for his fairness. Though he was fierce, he never hunted more than he needed, and he protected the weaker creatures from harm.

One scorching afternoon, after a satisfying meal of antelope, Simba stretched out beneath the shade of an ancient baobab tree. The heat weighed heavily on the land, and even the king of beasts needed rest. His amber eyes closed, and soon, deep snores rumbled from his chest.

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### **Chapter 2: The Tiny Intruder**

Meanwhile, a small, quick-footed mouse named **Milo** was darting through the tall grass, searching for seeds and fallen fruits. Milo was known among his kin for his boundless curiosity—and his knack for trouble. While most mice stayed hidden, Milo loved exploring, often sneaking into places far too dangerous for a creature his size.

That day, his nose led him straight toward the baobab tree. He didn’t notice the massive lion sleeping there until it was too late.

***"Eek!"***

Milo tripped over Simba’s paw, tumbling head over tail before landing right on the lion’s nose.

Simba’s eyes shot open.

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### **Chapter 3: A Furious Lion**

With a thunderous **ROAR**, Simba swiped his massive paw, pinning Milo to the ground. His claws gleamed in the sunlight, and his golden eyes burned with fury.

**"You DARE disturb my sleep, little vermin?"** he growled.

Milo’s tiny heart pounded like a drum. He had heard stories of the lion’s wrath—how he could crush a hyena’s skull with a single bite. But instead of freezing in terror, Milo did something unexpected.

He **spoke up**.

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### **Chapter 4: A Bold Plea**

**"Please, great king!"** Milo squeaked, his voice trembling but clear. **"I meant no harm! I was only searching for food. If you spare me, I swear—one day, I will repay your kindness!"**

Simba blinked. Then, to Milo’s astonishment, the lion **laughed**. A deep, rumbling chuckle shook his mighty frame.

**"YOU? Help ME?"** Simba smirked. **"What could a tiny thing like you ever do for the king of the savannah?"**

Still, the lion was in a merciful mood. With a flick of his paw, he released the mouse.

**"Run along, little one. But remember—next time, watch where you scurry."**

Grateful, Milo bowed low. **"Thank you, Your Majesty! You won’t regret this!"**

And with that, he vanished into the grass.

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### **Chapter 5: The Lion’s Peril**

Weeks passed. Simba continued his reign, patrolling his territory and keeping order among the animals. But one fateful morning, as he wandered near the edge of the jungle, a sharp **SNAP** rang out.

Before he could react, thick ropes coiled around him—a **hunter’s trap!**

Simba roared, thrashing wildly, but the more he struggled, the tighter the net became. Nearby, human voices cheered.

**"We’ve caught the lion!"** one hunter exclaimed. **"The circus will pay a fortune for him!"**

Fear clawed at Simba’s heart. For the first time in his life, he was **helpless**.

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### **Chapter 6: The Mouse’s Promise Fulfilled**

Milo, who had been foraging nearby, heard the lion’s desperate roars. His ears perked up. **"That’s Simba!"**

Without hesitation, he raced toward the sound, his tiny legs a blur. When he arrived, his heart sank. The mighty lion—proud, powerful Simba—was tangled in a hunter’s net, his golden eyes wide with despair.

The hunters were loading him onto a cart. Time was running out.

**"I have to save him!"** Milo whispered.

He darted forward, scaling the net with nimble claws. Then, with his sharp teeth, he began gnawing at the ropes.

***Snap!*** One strand broke.
***Snap!*** Then another.

The hunters, busy celebrating, didn’t notice the tiny mouse working furiously above them.

Finally, with one last **BITE**, the net gave way.

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### **Chapter 7: Freedom and Friendship**

**"RRROOOOARRR!"**

Simba burst free, his powerful limbs sending the net flying. The hunters screamed and fled into the jungle, their prize lost.

Panting, Simba turned to the small creature standing on a rock nearby.

**"Milo…"** he said, his voice filled with awe. **"You saved me."**

The mouse grinned. **"I told you I’d repay you, didn’t I?"**

Simba bowed his great head. **"I was wrong to doubt you, little friend. From this day on, you shall always have my protection."**

And so, an unlikely **friendship** was born. The lion and the mouse became inseparable. Simba, humbled, learned that **no act of kindness—no matter how small—is ever wasted.** Milo, in turn, proved that **even the tiniest creatures can change the course of fate.**

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### **Epilogue: Lessons of the Savannah**

Word of the lion and the mouse’s friendship spread across the land. The animals learned that **strength comes in many forms**—sometimes in roaring might, and sometimes in quiet courage.

And whenever a young creature doubted their own power, the elders would smile and say:

**"Remember the tale of Simba and Milo. Even a mouse can free a lion… if it has the heart to try."**

**The End.**

**(Word count: 920)**

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### **Moral of the Story:**
- **Kindness is never wasted.**
- **True strength lies in courage, not size.**
- **Friendship can come from the unlikeliest of places.**