The Fox and the Crane

The fox and the crane lived next door to each other. One day the fox invited the crane over and met him at the gate. “Come over, neighbor. I’ll cook some…

The fox and the crane lived next door to each other. One day the fox invited the crane over and met him at the gate. “Come over, neighbor. I’ll cook some delicious porridge,” she said. The crane thanked her for the invitation, and together they went to a table beneath a large rowan tree.

The fox spread semolina porridge across a wide, flat plate. She could easily lap it up from the edge, while the crane’s long beak only tapped against the dish. The crane did not get angry, but he noticed that he had hardly managed to taste anything. As he said goodbye, he invited the fox to lunch at his home.

The next day the crane poured okroshka, a cold soup, into a tall jug with a narrow neck. He could easily reach the food with his beak, while the fox paced around, sniffed the jug, and could not fit her snout inside. Then the fox understood how awkward the crane had felt the day before. The crane thought about it too.

After lunch they walked to a fork in the forest path and bowed politely to each other. The fox took the trail to her den, and the crane headed for the marsh. Neither shouted at or insulted the other, but each wanted some time alone to think about the two unusual meals.

By evening, the fox and the crane found themselves on opposite banks of a quiet stream. Looking at the water, they both understood that hospitality is not only about tasty food, but also about making sure a guest is comfortable. At their next meeting, they set both a low bowl and a tall jug on the table. Their friendship mattered more than an awkward mistake.