Freddy screeched with glee as Sammy slithered up the slopes of riverbank, giving him a kiss with a hiss. “You may play with Sammy on the riverbank, but you are never to go into the river with him,” Mama Frog had warned, repeatedly.
“Let’s go checkout the island, Freddie,” Sammy smiled slyly one day, pointing to the lush growth in mid-river.
“My Mom said I was not to get into the water.” The words “with Sammy” remained at the tip of his long tongue. Freddie did not wish to offend his friend, whom he loved and feared.
“Look at all those frogs playing on the island. Why shouldn’t we go have fun?” Sammy coaxed.
“But I can’t swim that far,” Freddie whimpered.
“Oh, that’s no problem, just hop on my hood and I’ll carry you across.”
“Promise you won’t hurt me?” Freddie blurted, all but giving in to the temptation.
“Of course not,” laughed Sammy, “just hop on.”
“Gee, this is so fun,” Freddie giggled as Sammy slid smoothly through the waves.
“Ready for a real thrill?” Asked Sammy, flipping his hood and launching Freddie into the air.
Freddie shrieked with joy on the way up. Turning a summersault to descend, the little frog froze in fear seeing the wide open jaws of his friend. “But you promised you wouldn’t hurt me,” he cried in terror.
“I can’t help it – it’s my nature. Chomp.”
The discussion questions from this ancient parable are: Can people change? If so, what aspects of their character/actions can be expected to change? What causes individuals to associate with those they know to be takers? Was Freddie a giver, or a victim (takee)? Can you identify individuals in your personal and professional life with Freddy or Sammy?