Sting to Sink

Let me tell you a story. Some people just act in ways that hurt themselves and others, even if it doesn’t make any sense. That's why it’s important to be careful about who we trust.

It was one of the wettest seasons, and the rivers were overflowing, turning forest paths into streams and cutting off parts of the land. On a muddy bank, a scorpion found himself stuck, staring at the rushing water. He needed to get to the other side, but swimming? Not an option. Scorpions don’t swim.

As he searched for a way across, he spotted Ribbit the Frog, happily hopping along the edge of the water, enjoying the rain. The scorpion called out, “Hey, Ribbit! Could you give me a lift across the river? I can’t swim, but you can. If you let me ride on your back, I can get across safely.”

Ribbit hesitated and shot the scorpion a suspicious look. “Seriously? You’re a scorpion. If I carry you on my back, what’s stopping you from stinging me? I’d drown!”

The scorpion gave a quick smile. “Why would I do that? If I stung you, we’d both be doomed. I just need a safe ride across, and you’re my only hope. Trust me, I won’t sting you.”

Ribbit thought it over. The scorpion’s reasoning seemed pretty solid. Why would he do something that would mess it up for both of them? “Alright,” Ribbit said. “Hop on, and let’s get this over with.”

So, the scorpion climbed onto Ribbit’s back, and the two set off. Ribbit swam steadily, his legs kicking smoothly through the water, staying clear of the stronger currents. Everything seemed to be going fine, and Ribbit started to feel good about helping out. But just as they reached the middle of the river, Ribbit felt a sharp, burning pain on his back. The scorpion had stung him.

Ribbit’s limbs began to go numb, and he struggled to stay afloat. “Why?” Ribbit gasped, barely able to speak. “Why would you do that? Now we’re both going to drown.”

The scorpion’s eyes were sad, but his voice was calm, almost like he’d accepted what was happening. “I know, Ribbit. But I couldn’t help it. It’s just in my nature.”

As Ribbit’s strength faded, they both began to sink, the cold, swirling water closing over them. The last thing they left behind were a few small ripples, quickly swallowed by the river’s flow.

Moral: In life, especially at school, you’ve got to notice when someone’s actions keep leading to trouble. Even if they promise they’ll do better, some behaviors are hard to change. Think twice before trusting someone who has let you down before.