Lanky was a monkey. He was full of confidence. But at times,
He became overconfident.
“There goes Lanky the champion!” exclaimed the passers-by looking at Lanky.
Indeed, Lanky was a champion as he had won a hundred-metre race of his school.
Lanky was very proud and always showed his medal to everybody.
One day, his friend Zola said to him, “Lanky, you should start preparing for
the next race. Rex is already preparing for it.”
Rex was Lanky’s competitor. He had finished second in the race.
Lanky replied, “Do not worry, Zola. Everything will turn out fine.”
Zola sighed and said, “I hope so.” But she was worried.
Time passed by. One day, Zola went to Lanky’s house. She saw him sleeping.
Zola said to Lanky, “Hey! I thought you would be training for the race.
Only a few months are left.”
Lanky replied, “Oh Zola! You worry too much. I am sure I will win the race.”
Zola argued, “Lanky, Rex is practising very hard. I am afraid he will defeat you this time.”
Lanky replied, “No, Rex can never defeat me. Only I will win and be the winner again!”
Zola got a feeling that Lanky had become overconfident. She did not
say anything more and went away feeling sad.
Finally, the day of the race arrived. Zola went with Lanky for support.
Soon, the race was flagged off. Everybody ran. Lanky had a good start.
But after running some distance, Lanky realised that he was getting tired and losing stamina.
He started huffing and puffing. Soon, Rex crossed him but Lanky could not catch up with him.
Rex won the race and Lanky could only stare at him. Zola came up to him.
Lanky said, “I was overconfident, Zola. So I did not train much.”
Lanky decided never to be overconfident again.
Moral : Never be overconfident.
