Once upon a time, in a quiet, peaceful countryside, there lived a humble country mouse. He enjoyed a simple life, nibbling on grains, fruits, and vegetables from the farm, completely free from danger and stress. Although his life was modest and ordinary, he was content and valued the calm and safety of his surroundings. One day, his cousin, a sophisticated town mouse, arrived to visit him. The town mouse, elegant and worldly, was fascinated by the simplicity of the country but quickly began to tease his cousin for living such a dull and uneventful life.
The town mouse invited the country mouse to visit the bustling city, promising him a life of luxury, fine food, and endless excitement. Curious and eager to experience something new, the country mouse agreed, unaware of the dangers he might face. They traveled together through fields and forests until they reached the city, full of bright lights, noisy streets, and towering buildings. The country mouse marveled at the grand sights and the abundance of delicious food served in the town’s elegant homes and market stalls. For the first time, he tasted rich cheeses, nuts, fruits, and other delicacies he had never seen before, feeling overwhelmed by the lavishness of city life.
However, the pleasures of the city were not without danger. As they enjoyed a grand feast one evening, the sudden appearance of a household cat caused panic and chaos. Plates crashed, food spilled, and both mice had to flee desperately through a small hole in the wall. The country mouse, terrified and shaken, realized that every luxury in the city came with constant threats and stress, making it impossible to enjoy the food or comfort in peace. He longed for the quiet safety of his countryside home, where he could eat without fear and live freely.
In the end, the country mouse politely declined the town mouse’s offer to stay in the city. He returned home, understanding that a simple, safe life was far more valuable than excitement and luxury accompanied by danger. The town mouse, though sophisticated and worldly, could not convince his cousin otherwise. The story delivers a timeless lesson: true happiness comes from security and peace of mind, and simplicity can often be more rewarding than wealth or luxury in a risky and stressful environment.