Once upon a time, my grand-father was riding his mule back home. He found a dog almost dead. The poor animal was very thirsty. There was a deep well near. As there was no bucket, he took off a long garment around his head as a protection from the sun and tried to reach the water. And so, he could quench the dog’s thirst, pressing the garment soaked with water. Then, he gave it something to eat.

He rode his mule and set back home. The dog followed him timidly.

–    Come on! , my grand-father said.

The dog ran happily. Suddenly, the mule stopped. There was a menacing snake in the way. My grand-father tried to calm the mule.  The dog barked at the snake courageously. The venomous reptile disappeared among the bushes. The dog showed pride looking at my grand-father, who looked at the sky smiling.

He first felt pity for the dog, but now, he loved it! He was rewarded for his benevolence!

Mohamed Failali