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Introduction
Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled between rolling hills and a sparkling river, lived a kind and generous farmer named Tomas. Tomas was known far and wide for his warm heart and his bountiful harvest.
Tomas’s Kindness
Tomas would often share his fruits and vegetables with his neighbors, even when his own family’s needs were not met. He would go the extra mile to help those in need, and his kindness was contagious.
The Arrival of the Viper
One day, as Tomas was working in his fields, a cunning and venomous viper slithered into the village. The viper was known for its deceitful nature and its ability to charm its way into the hearts of unsuspecting victims.
The Viper’s Charm
With smooth words and a sly smile, the viper made its way to Tomas. “Mighty kind of you to care for all these creatures and plants,” it said, weaving between the farmer’s legs. “Ever thought about someone looking after you for a change?”
Tomas, flattered, chuckled. “Well, I can’t say I have. My joy comes from giving, not receiving.”
The Request
“In that case,” the viper continued, “I’ve got a small favor to ask. See, bright sunlight doesn’t agree with me, makes my scales itch something fierce. Could I trouble you for a spot in your barn? Just during the day. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse, promise.”
Tomas scratched his head, pondering. “Don’t see why not,” he finally agreed. “Everyone deserves a bit of shelter.”
Tomas’s Decision
So, Tomas led the viper to the barn, showing it a cozy corner where the sun barely reached. “You’ll be safe here,” he assured.
“Much obliged,” the viper replied, its eyes gleaming with an unspoken plan. Tomas, with a nod and a smile, went back to his work, unaware of the deceit nestling in his barn.
The Betrayal
Tomas, with a heart as big as the moon, never stopped sharing. Not with his friends, not with strangers, and certainly not with the viper that now called his barn home. Little did he know, this act of kindness was weaving a web he’d soon regret. Inside the dark corners of the barn, the viper’s true nature slithered into light. It waited, watched, and planned. A sinister plot was hatching in the viper’s mind, one that would shake Tomas’s world to its core.
The Attack
On a day like any other, with the sun kissing the earth and the fields swaying gently, disaster struck. Tomas, bent over his crops, felt a sudden, sharp pain. The viper, silent as a shadow, had made its move. It struck quickly, leaving Tomas in agony. Screams pierced the air as the venom coursed through his veins. He collapsed, the sky spinning above him.
The Lesson
Neighbors heard the commotion and ran, hearts pounding, to Tomas’s side. They found him there, a victim of the very creature he had sheltered. As they carried him back, a heavy truth weighed on their hearts. In his kindness, Tomas had failed to see the danger lurking under his nose. This painful ordeal taught them all: generosity must be tempered with caution. For in a world where creatures like the viper roam, not every hand extended in kindness is taken in gratitude.