Two friends were walking together through a thick forest. They talked and laughed, promising that they would always protect each other no matter what happened.
Suddenly, a huge bear stepped onto the path. Its dark fur shook, and its eyes looked sharp and curious. Both friends froze with fear.
One friend quickly climbed a tall tree and hid among the leaves. He did not look back. The other friend could not climb in time. Remembering that bears often ignore people who stay still, he lay on the ground, held his breath, and pretended to be dead.
The bear came close, sniffed the boy’s ear, and then walked away into the trees. When everything was quiet, the friend climbed down from the tree.
“What did the bear whisper to you?← he asked with a nervous smile.
The boy stood up slowly and answered, “The bear told me to choose my friends carefully. A real friend does not leave you alone when trouble comes.←
The first friend felt ashamed. They walked home in silence, and from that day the boy understood that true friendship is shown not by words, but by actions.