Having settled in the shaggy skin of a good-natured yard dog, the flea lived happily ever after and did not grieve about anything. But one day she smelled the captivating smell of good, clean wool.
-What could it be? - she became interested and, having made several jumps, discovered that her faithful dog was sleeping sweetly, stretched out on top of the shaggy sheepskin. - Oh, how I dreamed of such a magnificent fur coat! — the flea exclaimed admiringly, unable to take her eyes off the sheepskin. - How thick, silky and elegant it is, and most importantly, reliable. You won't have to worry about dog teeth and claws on it. My dog has become unbearable. Having lost all decency, he scratches himself every now and then and looks for me. How tired I am of the eternal game of hide and seek! Surely, sheep skin is much softer and sweeter than dog skin.
Without thinking any more and trying not to miss the happy opportunity, the flea strained itself and in one fell swoop flew from the dog's skin to the sheep's.
However, contrary to hopes and expectations, the sheepskin turned out to be so thick and dense that the flea had to work hard, tearing one hair from another with its paws and making its way through the impassable thicket. Having overcome many obstacles, she finally reached her desired goal. But, alas, the tanned sheep skin was as hard as stone. No matter how hard the flea tried, no matter how she wriggled, this tidbit turned out to be too much for her.
Completely exhausted, sweaty from the effort and annoyed, the flea decided to abandon his idea and set off on the way back. She couldn’t wait to quickly return to her familiar dog’s skin and live her old life again. Lo and behold, the dogs are gone!
For days on end, the poor thing was tormented and reproached herself for her unforgivable rashness, until she died of melancholy and hunger, finally getting lost in the thick sheepskin.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru