MY TREE FRIEND

Hem was walking down the road. He passed a large tree with low branches full of leaves.

As he walked under it, he jumped up and plucked a few leaves. Then he broke a few branches. He shook a branch hard and some flowers fell down.

Prem lived next to the tree. He saw what was happening. He ran out. Prem was angry but he did not show it. He smiled at Hem and asked, "What's your name?" The reply came, "Hem," Prem said, "That sounds just like my name. I'm Prem! And there's one more person here! Let me introduce you to him."

Hem looked around, "There's no one here." Prem replied, "Of course there is! This is my tree friend Suhrit. Prem hugged the tree and said, "He is my best friend. He has taught me so many things!"

Hem laughed and asked, "What can a tree teach you?" Prem said, "So many things! One day it was raining. I did not want to go to school in the rain even with a raincoat and an umbrella.

Then I saw Suhrit standing in the rain quietly - no fuss. I stopped grumbling. I felt glad that I have to go to school in the rain only sometimes while Suhrit has to stand in rain and shine all his life - not even an umbrella!"

"When I do something for my friends and they don't say "thanks", I get upset.

Then I remember Suhrit. He provides a home for birds, squirrels and insects. What does he get in return? Nothing! But still he is happy to do it for them, and they love him for it!"

"When my mother asks me to bring her a glass of water, I sometimes fuss. Then I think of Suhrit. He helps animals he doesn't even know - he gives them shade to rest under and leaves and fruits to eat."

"When I have to sit in a place and study, I don't like it. Then I remember Suhrit. He has to stand in one place all his life, and yet he does it quietly."

"Let us both love Suhrit. Let us never hurt him by plucking his leaves or breaking his branches for no reason..."

Hem stood there quietly for a while. Then he went up to Suhrit and said, "I am sorry. From today, I will also try to be patient and helpful like you." That day, Hem was happy. He made two good friends - Prem and Suhrit.