The Sloth and the Tiger

The race was on. All the animals of the jungle had gathered for the final showdown. They had put aside their differences for the day and were dressed in their sportiest outfits.

Signs read, “Go Sloth! You’re the Boss!”

Others said, “Tiger, Tiger, he’s our man. If anyone can run fast, he sure can!”

Bang! The two runners were off.

Tiger was in the lead from the very beginning, with his long strides and fast legs. Until he reached the edge of the jungle, he put on a good show for the crowd. But as soon as he stepped into the forest, he looked back and grinned. “Silly sloth, who does he think he is, trying to beat such a fast animal as me?” With that, Tiger pulled out the lawn chair he had hidden behind a tree and fell fast asleep. Sloth kept moving slowly along the path.

Several hours later, a deafening roar awoke him. The band was playing, and animals were cheering wildly. He knocked over his lawn chair and ran off in a flash. However, as he rounded the bend to the finish line, he noticed that sloth was already there. Around his neck was a shiny, gold medal. He was holding a massive trophy in the air.

The only thing Tiger could do was shake Sloth’s hand and smile weakly.

“Congratulations, Sloth. You deserve the medal.”

“Thanks,” said Sloth politely. “I would sure like to take a nap in a lawn chair about now! I’ve had a long day!”

They both smiled.