Aesop | Greece
The Traveler and His Dog
The Traveler, prepared for the journey, assumed his dog was unready, but the faithful companion had patiently waited, ready before him.
Once upon a time, there was a Traveler preparing for a long journey. He packed his bags, filled his water flask, and gathered his maps. Outside his house, his faithful Dog watched, wagging his tail excitedly.
The Traveler noticed his Dog at the door, stretching lazily in the afternoon sun. He raised an eyebrow and said rather impatiently, "Why are you just standing there, yawning? I have prepared everything for our journey, and here you are, not ready to go. Come along with me at once."
The Dog looked up at the Traveler, tail still wagging. With a friendly bark, he responded, "Oh, master! You are mistaken. I am not the one you are waiting for. I have been ready for our journey since the moment you began packing. I've been standing here by the door, watching you, and waiting for you to finish your preparations."
The Traveler stared at his Dog, surprised at his response. It appeared his Dog was more prepared for their journey than he was. He laughed at this realization, gathered the rest of his things, and together, they set off on their adventure.
