Once upon a time, in this very city, there lived a scorpion who longed to cross the river but, alas, couldn't swim. The city lights sparkled on the water, and the scorpion searched desperately for help.
Scorpion, his tail arched, hesitates by the water's edge. He gazes at Frog, whose emerald skin glistens under the streetlamp's reflection. The scorpion’s voice is smooth, almost pleading. "Brother Frog, can you carry me across the river? I really need help,"Frog shifts nervously, eyes wide with suspicion. "Why should I help you? You have a strong tail needle. If you prick me, I will die!"Scorpion smiles, his tone gentle and persuasive. "If I hurt you, we both drown. Trust me just this once."
Frog strokes forward, muscles tense, as Scorpion balances atop him. For a few peaceful moments, all is quiet except for the gentle splash of webbed feet. Suddenly, the scorpion’s tail flashes, striking the frog. "Why? Didn't you promise not to hurt me?""It's my nature, I can't control it," sighs the scorpion, as the frog weakens, sinking into the water. The current drags them both, the scorpion’s regret lost in the city’s hum.
Tortoise paddles over, his movements slow but strong, and lifts the scorpion out of the chilly water. He places him gently on a dry patch of pebbles. "What happened here? Why are you alone and the frog gone?"Scorpion casts his eyes downward, feigning remorse. "The frog got hungry while swimming and fainted in the water. I should’ve helped him find food first. I feel so guilty for not caring for my friend."Tortoise nods, sadness in his eyes, moved by the scorpion’s apparent sorrow.
"Do you still need to cross the river? I can help you again,""Thank you, kind tortoise. I truly still need to cross," The scorpion climbs onto the tortoise’s shell, gripping tightly as they push off into the water. The river’s current is stronger, swirling around them.
Scorpion arches his tail and strikes, but his needle jams, wedged between the tortoise’s tough plates. Sharp pain shoots through him as he yelps. "Give me back my tail! My tail!"Tortoise, confused, thinks the scorpion’s tail has fallen into the water and paddles frantically to help, but the sudden motion sends them tumbling downstream. The scorpion, unable to free himself, is swept away by the river, his nature finally sealing his fate.
"And so, my friends, the scorpion’s nature led to his own end. Trust is precious, but sometimes, we must look deeper at who we trust. Even in a city as bright as ours, nature cannot be easily changed." He sits back, letting the lesson linger in the evening air, as young animals ponder the tale beneath the city’s neon stars.
