Three Greedy Friends

Once upon a time in a small, bustling village, there were three friends named Amir, Rafiq, and Samir. Though they were known for their wit and charm, they shared one notable flaw: their insatiable greed. Each friend constantly plotted ways to get rich quickly, often at the expense of others.

One day, while walking through the market, the trio overheard an old traveler telling stories of a hidden treasure buried deep in the forest beyond the hills. The traveler described it as a chest overflowing with gold coins, jewels, and priceless relics. The three friends exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with ambition.

“Imagine what we could do with that kind of wealth,” Amir whispered. “We could buy mansions, fine clothes, anything we ever dreamed of,” added Rafiq. Samir, the most cunning of the three, suggested they set out at dawn before anyone else learned of the treasure.

Early the next morning, the three friends packed their satchels and set out into the forest. They followed the old traveler’s map, trekking through thick foliage and crossing babbling brooks. The promise of untold riches pushed them forward, ignoring their exhaustion and hunger.

By noon, they reached a clearing where a large, ancient oak tree stood, its roots entwined with a chest. Hearts racing, they unearthed it, and there it was: a wooden chest brimming with gold coins and glittering gems. For a moment, they were stunned into silence, the gleam of wealth reflected in their wide eyes.

But soon, greed overtook them. “We can’t share this equally,” Rafiq said, breaking the silence. “One of us could take it all and become the wealthiest man in the village.” The idea hung in the air, heavy with tension. Amir and Samir nodded subtly, their minds racing with schemes.

They decided to rest before heading back and sent Samir to the village to buy food and supplies. As Samir walked back down the path, he thought, *If I poison the food, I can claim the treasure for myself once Amir and Rafiq are gone.* He smirked as he bought bread and laced it with a lethal herb.

Back at the clearing, Amir whispered to Rafiq, “Why should we share the treasure with Samir? When he returns, we’ll take care of him and split it between the two of us.” Rafiq agreed, and they prepared to ambush their friend.

When Samir returned with a forced smile and a satchel of food, Amir and Rafiq sprang upon him. The scuffle was short; Samir lay motionless, and the two friends congratulated themselves. Laughing at their cleverness, they sat down and devoured the bread, their minds already filled with visions of luxury.

Minutes later, their laughter turned into choking gasps. The poison took hold quickly, and they fell beside Samir. The clearing, once echoing with their triumphant plans, fell silent.

Days later, the old traveler passed by and noticed the chest lying open, the bodies of the three friends sprawled around it. With a weary sigh, he shook his head. "Greed," he murmured. "It always takes more than it gives."

And so, the treasure remained untouched, a silent testament to the destructive power of greed.