Desta the donkey awoke with a contented yawn, stretching his sturdy legs as the sun peeked above the horizon. He admired the colorful petals at his feet and listened to the echoing bells, feeling grateful for another peaceful morning. Today, he would visit his friend, the wise old tortoise, but first, he needed to gather some teff for his family’s breakfast.
The hyena, who called himself the “Cleverest in the Land,” swaggered up to Desta, blocking the path with a flick of his bushy tail. Hyena, a notorious braggart, was always ready to boast.
"Step aside, little donkey. Only the smartest animals deserve to walk this path. I, of course, am the cleverest of all!"
"Good morning, Hyena. The path is for everyone. Even the oldest acacia shares its shade with all who pass," replied Desta, recalling a proverb his grandmother taught him.
Hyena eyed the basket and grinned wickedly.
"I’ve heard there’s a magical injera basket hidden here, filled with endless bread! But only the smartest can find its secret. Let’s see which of us is truly clever. Winner takes the treasure!"
"Wisdom is not a race, but I accept your challenge, if we agree to share with our neighbors," said Desta, his voice gentle but firm.
Hyena[/@ch_2] circles the basket, poking and prodding, trying to lift the lid. He snickers and attempts to distract Desta with silly riddles and fake clues, while the animals giggle from the sidelines.]
"Look, a shiny stone! Oh, beware the ticklish grass—only I know the real way," he jeered, scrambling and snatching, but the basket remained sealed.
Desta watched patiently, never rising to the taunts, instead remembering another proverb: “Patience can cook a stone.”
Desta[/@ch_1] approaches the basket, bows his head in respect, and whispers softly to the earth.]
"O basket, may your gifts serve all who are kind and humble," he says, touching the woven lid with his nose. The basket glows, and the cloth lifts magically, revealing fluffy injera and golden honey for all to share. The animals cheer, and Hyena stares in disbelief.
Desta serves his neighbors first, making sure even Hyena gets a piece of the magical injera. Hyena, humbled, lowers his head.
"I thought cleverness was all tricks and words, but your wisdom filled every belly. You truly are the smartest, Desta," he admits.
"A kind heart and humble ways make the best treasures, my friend," replies Desta, as the animals clap their hooves and paws.
Desta looks at the glowing churches and the sharing animals, his heart full. He smiles, knowing true intelligence is found in kindness and humility, not tricks. And from that day on, everyone remembered the humble donkey who outsmarted the boastful hyena—with wisdom, patience, and a proverb as old as the plateau.
