Why the Tortoise Carries His House

Ijapa the Tortoise and the Snail were once the best of friends and lived together. One day, a great fire swept through the forest. All the animals ran in panic. "We must flee!" cried the Snail, who began to slowly ooze away. "Don't worry," said the lazy Ijapa, "The fire is still far away. I will take a nap first." He went to sleep. The Snail, meanwhile, knew he was slow. He gathered his small house onto his back and began his long, steady journey away from the danger. Some time later, Ijapa woke up to the roar of the fire right next to him. In a panic, he scrambled to gather his house and belongings, but it was too late. The fire consumed his home completely. He was left homeless and scorched. He eventually found the Snail, who was safe, having carried his home with him. "How foolish I was," said Ijapa. "You had the wisdom to prepare for danger, while I slept in laziness." From that day on, Ijapa the Tortoise learned his lesson and now carries his house on his back wherever he goes, a constant reminder that one should always be prepared and that laziness is a dangerous luxury.