Once, in a deep, dark forest, stood two young, green trees that were best friends and companions. They enjoyed the rain showers together and endured the harsh summer heat. But whatever the situation, they both held their branches and stood together.
One day, a wicked crow came to rest on a branch of one of the trees. He had heard about their firm friendship from other birds and animals and was very much interested in testing it. He had a shrewd plan and wanted to carry it out soon.
He greeted both the trees warmly and introduced himself. He said, "Hello, you two are fine beings of Mother Nature, and I have heard a lot about your deep friendship. So, for your kindness and affection for others, Mother Nature has given one of you the opportunity to never get old and dry, and always remain strong and lush green. But for this blessing, one of you has to sacrifice for the other. So, both of you decide which one it will be. I am the messenger of Mother Nature, and so would like to deliver the message of your choice to her. I need your decision as soon as possible."
One day, a wicked crow came to rest on a branch of one of the trees. He had heard about their firm friendship from other birds and animals and was very much interested in testing it. He had a shrewd plan and wanted to carry it out soon.
He greeted both the trees warmly and introduced himself. He said, "Hello, you two are fine beings of Mother Nature, and I have heard a lot about your deep friendship. So, for your kindness and affection for others, Mother Nature has given one of you the opportunity to never get old and dry, and always remain strong and lush green. But for this blessing, one of you has to sacrifice for the other. So, both of you decide which one it will be. I am the messenger of Mother Nature, and so would like to deliver the message of your choice to her. I need your decision as soon as possible."
Both the trees were amazed and a little confused. Then one tree told the other, "Dear friend, as I am a bit older than you, I suggest you take the opportunity gifted by Mother Nature. Seeing you remain lush green and healthy will always give me immense pleasure and happiness."
To this, the other tree responded, "Dear friend, taking this blessing and remaining evergreen will not give me any happiness as I wish to grow old with you and enjoy the time of our youth and old age together."
Looking at both the trees, the crow felt ashamed of his thoughts. He understood their friendship could not be broken by any kind of greed. Their bond was pure and strong.
He told them, "I am extremely sorry for lying. I am no messenger of Mother Nature, and no such wish has been granted by her that could make any living being evergreen. I am very sorry for my act."
Then the crow flew away and never came back.
Hearing the crow's confession, both trees became very happy and entangled their vines in joy.
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