A True Friend Is One Who Helps in Times of Trouble

In a dense and lively forest, there lived a camel who was extremely proud of himself. He took great pride in his tall height, long neck, and graceful walk. He firmly believed that he was superior to all other animals in the forest. Because of this arrogance, he behaved rudely with everyone. Wherever he wished, he would walk without care, looking down on others and treating them with disrespect. If any animal dared to question or tease him, he would angrily chase them away.

Near the camel’s home was a small burrow where a mouse lived. Among all the animals, the camel hated the mouse the most. He constantly mocked the mouse, calling him insulting names and making fun of his small size and weakness. However, the mouse was wise and patient. Instead of responding with anger, he would simply smile and ignore the camel’s cruel words.

All the animals of the forest were fed up with the camel’s pride and bad behavior. They believed that one day he would surely face the consequences of his arrogance, but for the time being, the camel continued to roam freely, untouched by punishment.

It was a beautiful spring season. Colorful flowers bloomed everywhere, and a pleasant fragrance spread throughout the forest. One day, after waking up from a long sleep, the camel felt extremely hungry. He raised his head and walked out to graze. Using his long neck, he began eating leaves, flowers, and fruits from tall trees.

While roaming, his eyes fell upon a thorny tree branch hanging high above. Without thinking carefully, he lifted his neck to bite the branch. As soon as he dug his teeth into it, his neck became tightly tangled in another thick branch. No matter how hard he tried, he could not free himself. The camel pulled and struggled with all his strength, but the more he tried, the more trapped he became.

At that moment, all his pride vanished. Exhausted and helpless, the camel began to cry loudly for help. However, no one heard his cries, and no animal came to rescue him. After some time, when the animals of the forest learned about his trouble, they gathered around him. They looked at him with sympathy, but due to their weakness, none of them could help him.

Soon after, the mouse also arrived at the scene. When he saw the camel’s miserable condition, he immediately began climbing the tree. The other animals warned him not to take such a risk, but the mouse did not listen. He bravely continued climbing until he reached the branch where the camel’s neck was trapped.

Although the mouse was small and weak, he used his sharp teeth and began gnawing at the branch. Slowly and steadily, he cut through the wood. After great effort, the branch finally broke, and the camel’s neck was freed. The camel felt life return to his body and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

At that moment, the camel realized a powerful truth: every creature in the forest, no matter how small, has importance. His arrogance was completely shattered. Filled with shame and gratitude, he apologized sincerely to all the animals. He then publicly declared the mouse his true and loyal friend.

The animals smiled and returned to their homes, satisfied by the lesson learned. Indeed, a true friend is the one who stands by you in times of difficulty.

True strength does not lie in size, status, or pride, but in humility and kindness. This story teaches us that no one is so powerful that they will never need help, and no one is so small that they cannot make a difference. Respecting others and valuing every individual builds genuine relationships, because in difficult times, it is often the least expected person who becomes our greatest su