It was a beautiful lake with still blue waters and trees all around. Two swans and a turtle lived there and were great friends. They spent most of their time swimming or sitting together on the banks and sharing the stories of the lake and the forest, and of the sages in the forest too.
The one who talked the most was the friendly turtle. She loved to talk!
It so happened that there was no rain that year. The beautiful lake, their home, showed the signs of drying up. The swans and the turtle were worried.
“We should move to another lake now,” suggested one of the swans. Everyone agreed that it was the right thing to do. But the turtle was sitting there looking very sad. Two big tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I can’t fly,” she said, “And it will take me a lot of time to reach where you are going.”
“That’s true,” the swans said, “We must find a way.” They sat and thought and thought. Finally, one swan came up with a very bright idea. “Look, there are two of us. We’ll hold a stick in our beaks. You grip it with your teeth and hang on. We’ll fly with you to the new lake!”
“That’s a great idea!” said the others. And they got ready to fly out. The turtle was thrilled! She would actually fly! Wow! She would be the only flying turtle in the whole place! What a story it would be to tell others!
They prepared to leave soon. The swans picked up a strong stick and told the turtle to grip it well. The swans knew her talkative nature. So, they warned her before starting, “No matter what happens, don’t open your mouth, Turtle. Understood?”
“Oh, yes; of course, I know. Do you think I’m a fool?” said the turtle.
“No, but you are fond of talking a lot and you will chatter even when there is no one listening to you!” joked the swans.
They took off over the trees, flying steadily towards their new home. The turtle was having a wonderful time. What a view! She was actually going right over the top of trees! Just imagine! The birds around were looking at them, astonished at the sight.
And then she saw people down below pointing up towards them. They were wondering what the swans were carrying. “If only they knew!” thought the silly turtle, “I must tell them. They too will be amazed!” So, forgetting the warning of the swans, she opened her mouth to explain. CRASH! Down she fell and died. The swans looked down sadly at their foolish friend and flew on.
