The Tortoise and The Hare

The Hare’s boast pierced through the forest chatter. “I can run faster than anyone in the world.” So conceited was he that I believed his demerit was a must a stumbling block to his success. Though my shell grew warm with embarrassment for him, the words slipped from my lips, “Lots of us could beat you. Why, I could even beat you in a race.”
Without a second, laughter rippled through the forest like wind through wheat. Some of them giggled, “He’s really biting off more than he can chew.” Especially Hare, chuckling, pointed his hand to me, “You think you can beat me? Why not let’s race from here to the lake right now?”
I knew short legs limited my speed. However, persistence was something I had, which was one of the keys to success. With firm eyes, I replied assertively “OK”. Though I couldn’t see the lake, I knew how to get there.
As Goose honked, Hare rushed out like arrows released from a bow. Sooner or later, he was out of my sight. At the same time, my claws dug into the sun-warmed path, each step a deliberate “thump-thump” keeping rhythm with my heartbeat. However, a long time had passed, on arriving at the apple tree, he turned back his head and laughed at me as he had an obvious merit. “Still plodding, pebble feet?”He yawned, legs stretching, “Wake me up when you’ve crossed the meadow.” Under the shade, he soon fell asleep.
An inner voice told me that under no circumstances would I give up. My legs carried me as fast as they could while sweat blurred my eyesight.
I didn’t know how long had it gone and just heard Hare shouting “Wait! Wait!” However, I had arrived at the lake. Gradually, his breathless words drowned in the frogs’ triumphant chorus. I sighed with relief. A surge of triumph overwhelmed me, reminding me that staying humble, staying foolish and staying persistent make us become better.