Bruin and Reynard Partners

Once upon a time. A big bear lived in the forest. His name was Bruin. A clever fox lived there too. His name was Reynard. The forest was green and big.

Bruin and Reynard were friends. They liked to talk. They wanted to work in the field. They found a good field. They would plant food there together. This was their plan.

First, they planted small rye seeds. They worked hard. They put the seeds in the ground. The sun helped them grow. The plants grew tall.

Reynard spoke to Bruin. He had a plan. "We must share the food," he said. "I will take the top part. You can take the root part. This is fair."

Bruin thought this was a good idea. He trusted Reynard. He was a trusting bear. "Yes," he said. "I agree. This sounds fair."

They worked hard. The rye grew tall. They harvested the rye. Reynard took all the grain. The grain was good. Bruin got only the roots. The roots were not good to eat. Bruin was not happy. He felt tricked.

Reynard smiled. He looked pleased. "We agreed on this," he said. "Next year, you get the top. I will take the root." Bruin believed him. He hoped for more.

Spring came again. The sun was warm. Reynard had a new idea. "Let us plant turnips," he said. Bruin liked turnips very much. He thought turnips were better food. He felt excited.

They harvested the turnips. Reynard took all the big, round roots. The roots were sweet. Bruin got only the green turnip tops. The tops were not good to eat. Bruin saw the trick now. Reynard had tricked him twice. He was very angry.

Bruin looked at Reynard. His eyes were wide. "No more," he said loudly. "We are not partners now. You tricked me. Our friendship is over." Bruin walked away. He did not trust Reynard anymore. He felt sad and angry.

It is not good to trick your friends. Be careful who you trust.