His pace and gait had always been an object of pride for him. Undoubtedly, one of the friendliest of the animals was he. This was called the reason of the deer’s success in the jungle. He had become so popular in the community that almost everyone was friends with him. He had turned proud of his achievements and would now and then boast of his utopia where he enjoyed so many well-wishers. None other in the woods could blow his own horn of better companionship.

One winter night, the deer had to make a journey to the lake. He asked for the company of a fox, who was most delighted to move with him. The two started their walk towards the water body and discussed among themselves how they felt about one another. The deer was so delighted to find out his reputation in the place. He was overjoyed with the thought that even the fox would care so much for him. The fox told him that he would rather term him as his best friend. The journey to the lake seemed shortened as the distances contracted owing to the camaraderie. Once at the lake, the deer drank to overcome his thirst. But while trying to do so, he slipped and fell in the water. He was all drenched. In this winter night he felt cold, and badly desired some warm clothing. So he started moving towards the shelter of the rabbits. Though, the rabbits had never so much so admitted that they shall be there at the need of the hour or that they were his best friends but he thought to himself that in this state they might be of some help.

The fox showed his hesitance at the thought of moving to the rabbits. The deer was startled and tried to make him realize that it was not a waste of time, or efforts. Right now, it was a requirement. He could not have done without it. But the fox held his ears closed. He could think of nothing but his comforts. He thought to himself that if I go with the deer, he shall make me miserable in the cold night. I shall have to walk all the way to the rabbit’s and that shall be painful. So he started to gallop in the opposite direction. The deer turned to expose a tear skid on his innocent face. He kept on with his journey. He had been left amidst cold, trouble and pain. How little did it matter that it was a frosty night, how little did he care that he was so tired, how little did he bother that he was drenched! All that he did hassle was that he was left unaccompanied. He thought to himself what might have gone wrong that his friend left him by himself in the midst of his expedition.

He trotted to the rabbits place. Not much warmth was he anticipating now. But as it showed up, the rabbits were remorseful to find him in this condition. They helped him dry his body and let him by their fireplace. No longer than a while did he well recover. It was not that he was in a cozy den. It was not that he had had some tea. It was not that he had put on some robes. It was that he was no more alone. As he found himself comfortable, he began to ponder "Can the words do for the purity of that sentiment! Can the speech be powerful enough to take for that spirit! Can the tongue carry out the task of that benevolence!"