The Tortoise and the Hare

On a sunny morning, Tortoise was walking along the meadow path. His little feet pressed softly into the dust. Hare bounded past him, his long ears bobbing. Then he stopped. 'You do take tiny steps,' said Hare. Tortoise looked up. 'They get me where I want to go.'

Hare gave a little hop. 'I can reach the stream before you reach that stone!' 'You are quick,' said Tortoise. 'But shall we try a race?' Hare blinked. A race with Tortoise? 'All right. From this stone to the silver birch by the stream.' They stood together. 'Ready. Steady. Go!'

Away went Hare! His feet skimmed over the path. In a moment, he was far ahead. Tortoise took one step, and then another. He did not try to leap. He did not look for a shortcut. He followed the path, with the warm sun on his shell.

At the big oak tree, Hare looked back. Tortoise was only a small green shape in the distance. 'There is plenty of time,' Hare said. He settled into the cool grass. Just a little rest. A breeze rustled the leaves. Hare's ears drooped, and his eyes slowly closed.

Tortoise came along the path. He saw Hare sleeping beneath the tree and passed by quietly. The path rose over a small hill. Tortoise's legs felt tired, so he slowed a little. 'One more step,' he whispered. At the top, he could see the silver birch. He kept going.

A leaf tickled Hare's nose. He opened one eye, then both. Where was Tortoise? Hare sprang up. There, near the stream, was a small round shell. 'Oh!' Hare dashed down the path. His ears flew behind him. But Tortoise was almost at the silver birch.

Tortoise took another step. Then one more. His front foot reached the tree, and he stopped in its shade. He had finished the race. Hare arrived a moment later, breathing hard. 'You did it,' he said. Tortoise smiled. 'I did.' The stream bubbled softly beside them.

Hare sat down beside Tortoise. 'I'm sorry I laughed at your little steps.' 'Would you like to walk home with me?' asked Tortoise. 'Yes,' said Hare. This time, Hare stayed beside his friend. They followed the path through the daisies, with no hurry at all. And when Tortoise stopped to rest, Hare rested too.