Tunde darts between the huts, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he chases a butterfly through the warm morning air. Nearby, his mother prepares lunch, glancing worriedly at her son’s playful energy.
Mother, Tunde's caring but often exasperated parent.
Father, a hardworking, stern man with deep love for his family.
"Tunde, don’t play near the river," calls Mother, her voice laced with concern as she stands at the doorway. Ignoring her warning, Tunde grins and races toward the rushing water, his bare feet kicking up dust.
"Tunde, finish your chores before going out," urges Father, but Tunde is already halfway to the football pitch where his friends wave him over.
"Tunde, please don’t go to the forest today," warns Mother, her brow furrowed with worry. She stands beside him, hands on her hips, as Tunde rolls his eyes and shrugs off her concern.
"Nothing will happen, Mama. I’m just going to pick some mangoes," he replies, grabbing a basket and running off before she can protest.
Tunde leaps from root to root, searching for the juiciest fruit. He spots a towering mango tree, heavy with golden fruit, and begins to climb. Unbeknownst to him, a hunters’ trap lies hidden beneath the branches, its rope glinting faintly in the dappled light.
Suddenly — SNAP! The rope tightens around Tunde's foot, lifting him into the air. He dangles upside down, legs flailing, as birds scatter and his cries pierce the quiet forest.
Old Farmer, a wise, gentle man known for helping others.
"Ah, Tunde! Did your parents warn you about this place?" asks Old Farmer, shaking his head as he cuts the rope and gently lowers Tunde to the ground. Embarrassed, Tunde dusts himself off, his cheeks burning as he nods apologetically.
"Yes, sir," he whispers, feeling the weight of his mistake.
"I’m sorry, Mama. I’m sorry, Papa. I should have listened," cries Tunde, hugging them tightly. Mother strokes his hair, and Father places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
They forgive him with gentle smiles, and from that day, Tunde becomes obedient, respectful, and wise. Whenever other children talk about ignoring their parents, he shares his story: "If you don’t listen, life will teach you the hard way!"
