The world of stories is strange—at the same fair where everyone is lost in the light and noise, two twin donkeys set off on different paths. Two brothers who had been together since childhood were suddenly separated; fate gave them different owners—one to a washerman, the other to a stuntman.
The washerman's donkey was lucky. The washerman treated him with love, let him loose, let him graze on the riverbank in the mornings, and gave him fresh water. The cool river breeze, the green grass, and the soft, soothing sunshine all day—the donkey's life was peaceful. He didn't carry heavy loads, just did light work and lay down comfortably in the evening.
The other donkey's life was the opposite. The stuntman would take him to public shows—traveling to the markets, performing stunts amidst the crowds, a weight on his back, and constant fatigue. He ate and drank irregularly, rested and exerted himself excessively. His ribs began to protrude, his eyes were tired; But the acrobat didn't care about his condition—he wanted work, he wanted to show off.
One day, the unexpected happened—the washerman arrived at the fair, and the two donkeys' eyes met. They paused for a moment, staring at each other. Old memories were revived; recognizing each other, they cried—a snort came out, their eyes moistened. Then, after a moment of emotional recollection, they began to talk.
The washerman's donkey said politely, "Brother, I'm saddened to see your condition. Come here—eat grass by the river all day, and rest in the evening. The work is light, but life is full of peace."
The acrobat's donkey laughed—but there was no bitterness in his laughter, just a pause. He said, "I'm not the fool you think I am. I'm standing here because my master has a daughter—she walks a tightrope, and every time the ropewalker tells her, 'Walk carefully, if you fall, I'll marry you to this donkey.' I'm enduring all this so that fate can take a turn—and if that daughter accidentally falls, I can be her support. I hope that someday that same opportunity will come and change the course of my life."
The washerman's donkey fell silent. He understood that every pain, every hardship—there's a reason behind it—and that many times people endure their hardships in the name of some greater hope or duty. Life isn't just about seeking comfort; sometimes even suffering is a preparation for something greater.
The two donkeys went their separate ways—but their meeting taught them one thing: don't judge someone's circumstances hastily. Even in someone's peace, there may be a hidden struggle, and even in someone's suffering, there may be hope and intention. What we don't see is also important.
Lesson : -
Fortunes may vary, but there is a reason behind everyone's story. Learn to see beyond appearances—and don't simply judge someone's path with superficial words.
Read more : - Rising from the Mud
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