TWO BEST FRIENDS STORY

Come children, let me tell you the story of two lions. Childhood friends met. One's name was Tiko and one's name was Mayo. Mayo had been away for 10 years, living in a zoo far from his homeland. He had just come home and reunited with Tiko.

Tiko asked him how he was and how his journey had been. Mayo was silent, he did not say anything. He just looked at the forest with his eyes, as if he had forgotten how it felt to be free.

Tiko tried to cheer him up. He said that Mayo must have had a good life in the zoo. He must have got food on time, a comfortable space to sleep, and no fear of hunters. People would also admire him and take pictures of him.

Mayo remained silent, he was listening but not responding.

Tiko contrasted his own life with Mayo's. He said that he had to hunt for his food every day, sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing. Sometimes he had to sleep hungry or on hard ground. He faced many dangers from other lions and humans.

He said that Mayo should be happy about himself. He had everything he needed without any effort.

Mayo finally spoke. He said that he did not have freedom in the zoo. He lived in a small cage, 10 by 10 feet. He could not roam the whole forest or choose his own prey. He hated being fed by humans who treated him like an object.

He said that Tiko was lucky to know the whole forest and its secrets. He envied his adventurous spirit and courage.

He said that this was the difference between their lives. Tiko had spent 10 years of life in freedom, while Mayo had spent 10 years of slavery.