HOW THE TORTOISE LOST ITS HAIR

Long ago, in a lush and vibrant African savannah, there lived a wise and cunning tortoise named Tobi. Tobi was known throughout the animal kingdom for his cleverness and quick wit. He was always ready with a solution to any problem, and his advice was sought after by both the young and the old.

One day, as the sun blazed in the sky, a great drought befell the land. The once flowing rivers and watering holes dried up, and the animals of the savannah began to suffer. The heat was unbearable, and food became scarce. Desperation filled the air as the animals gathered to discuss how to survive this difficult time.

Tobi, being the wise tortoise that he was, proposed a solution. "We must journey to the Sacred Oasis," he declared, "for it is said to hold the purest and most life-giving water in all the land."

The animals agreed, and under Tobi's guidance, they embarked on a long and arduous journey through the scorching desert. The journey was tough, but Tobi's wisdom and encouragement kept their spirits high. After days of travel, they finally reached the Sacred Oasis, a shimmering pool of crystal-clear water surrounded by lush vegetation.

However, standing between the animals and the oasis was a mighty and fearsome lion named Simba. "Halt!" he roared, his voice echoing through the oasis. "Only those who solve my riddle shall drink from this oasis."

Tobi stepped forward, his mind already working to decipher the riddle. "Speak, noble Simba," Tobi said with a confident smile. "I am ready to hear your riddle."

The lion looked at Tobi with a grin. "I have a golden coat, a magnificent mane, and I am known as the king of the savannah. What am I?"

Tobi pondered for a moment and then answered, "You are the mighty lion, Simba, the ruler of these lands."

Astonished by Tobi's quick wit, Simba stepped aside and allowed the animals to drink from the oasis. They quenched their thirst and felt revitalized by the pure water. Tobi's reputation as a clever and resourceful tortoise only grew stronger.

As the animals rested and enjoyed the oasis, Tobi approached a group of birds perched on a nearby tree. "Dear friends," he said, "I have an idea. We must gather as much of this precious water as we can and carry it back to our home. This oasis could save our lives during times of drought."

The birds agreed, and using their beaks and talons, they transported small amounts of water in hollowed-out gourds back to their homeland. Tobi supervised the operation, ensuring that every drop of water was utilized efficiently.

However, Tobi's tireless efforts did not go unnoticed. A group of jealous and envious animals, led by a mischievous monkey named Malik, watched from a distance. Malik couldn't bear the thought of Tobi gaining even more admiration and respect from their fellow animals.

One day, when Tobi was momentarily distracted, Malik sneaked into the makeshift storage area where the water was being collected. With a devious smile, Malik started emptying the gourds, wasting the water and sabotaging Tobi's plan.

When Tobi discovered the sabotage, he was devastated. The once-full gourds were now empty, and the animals' hopes of having a steady supply of water were dashed. Tobi's disappointment turned into anger, and he confronted Malik.

"Why have you done this?" Tobi asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of sadness and rage.

Malik shrugged, feigning innocence. "I saw no point in all your efforts. Water will return eventually. Besides, you already have enough praise and admiration. A little setback won't hurt."

Tobi realized that Malik's jealousy had caused this disaster. He knew that anger wouldn't solve anything, so he decided to take a different approach. "Malik," he said calmly, "you may have taken away the water we collected, but you can't take away my determination to help our fellow animals. I will find a way to ensure our survival."

True to his word, Tobi began devising a new plan. He reached out to the other animals, and together they dug deep into the ground, unearthing hidden pockets of water. They created wells that would provide a steady supply of water during droughts, ensuring the survival of their community.

However, during this time, Tobi began to notice a change in himself. His once-shiny shell had lost its luster, and patches of his once-thick hair started falling out. Tobi's appearance began to resemble that of a balding tortoise.

The other animals saw Tobi's transformation and couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. "Tobi, your dedication to our survival has cost you your hair," one of the birds remarked.

Tobi smiled, unfazed by his changed appearance. "My hair is a small price to pay for the well-being of our community. The lesson here is that true wisdom lies not in outward appearances but in the actions, we take to help others."

And so, the story of the wise and bald tortoise, Tobi, spread throughout the savannah. His selflessness, determination, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his fellow animals were admired by all. From that day on, the tortoise became a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

And that, dear listener, is how the tortoise lost its hair, but gained the hearts and respect of all who knew its tale.