The Lion & the Mouse

In the heart of the jungle, where the trees reached high and the rivers sang through the leaves, lived a lion named Baraka. His golden mane shimmered in the sunlight, and his roar echoed through the valleys. All the animals knew him as the King of the Jungle—strong, proud, and fearsome.

Not far from his den, in a quiet patch of tall grass, lived a tiny mouse named Timo. He was quick, clever, and full of energy. But because of his size, most animals hardly noticed him. Timo didn’t mind. He loved exploring the world one blade of grass at a time.

One hot afternoon, Baraka lay sleeping beneath an acacia tree. His great belly rose and fell with every breath, and birds dared not chirp nearby for fear of waking him. But Timo, chasing after a fluttering butterfly, scampered across Baraka’s paw without noticing.

In an instant, the lion's eyes flew open. His paw slammed down, trapping Timo beneath it. The ground trembled.

Baraka growled, “Who dares disturb my sleep?”

Timo squeaked, trying to wriggle free. “It was an accident, mighty lion! I didn’t mean to wake you. Please let me go!”

Baraka narrowed his eyes. “You’re awfully bold for such a small snack.”

“I may be small,” Timo said, shaking, “but I might help you someday!”

Baraka burst into laughter. His laugh was so loud, the leaves above shook. “Help me? What could a mouse possibly do for a lion?”

Timo looked up bravely. “Even the smallest creature can be strong in its own way.”

Baraka was amused. With a huff and a grin, he lifted his paw. “Run along, little mouse. You’ve bought your freedom with that courage.”

Timo scurried off, his heart pounding, but his spirit intact.

Days passed, and the jungle pulsed with life. But one morning, trouble came. A group of hunters crept through the underbrush, laying traps for wild beasts. As Baraka prowled near the river, he stepped into a hidden net. With a loud snap, the ropes sprang up, tangling him in the air.

Baraka roared and thrashed, but the more he struggled, the tighter the ropes became.

Birds flew away. Monkeys hid. Even the elephants kept their distance.

But not Timo.

From a nearby tree, he saw the mighty lion trapped and helpless. He remembered the day Baraka had spared his life.

Without hesitation, Timo scampered toward the net. The lion stopped thrashing when he saw the little mouse appear.

“Timo?” Baraka grunted. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you,” Timo said simply.

He climbed up the ropes, teeth gnashing. Bit by bit, rope by rope, he chewed. The fibers gave way slowly, but Timo didn’t stop. His jaws ached, but he kept going. Hours passed, and still he worked.

At last, the final rope snapped. Baraka tumbled to the ground with a mighty thud—but he was free.

He stood and looked at the tiny mouse who had done what no other creature dared.

“You saved me,” Baraka whispered.

Timo nodded, panting. “Even the smallest can be brave.”

Baraka lowered his massive head. “I was wrong to laugh at you. You’re more than brave—you’re a true friend.”

From that day on, the jungle changed.

Baraka no longer roared just to show his power. He listened more. He protected not only the big beasts, but the small ones too. And by his side, often riding on his back, was Timo, the mouse who proved that courage isn’t measured in size.

Their friendship became legend—of how strength and bravery come in all forms, and how even the king of the jungle needs a friend sometimes.

And in the quiet moments, under the same acacia tree, Baraka would rest, while Timo curled up on his paw—two hearts beating in harmony, one mighty, one small, but both heroic.

The End.