The Empty Shiny Shell

A squirrel named Riko found a large, shiny nut shell on the forest floor. He carried it proudly,

believing it held great food inside. After struggling all day to crack it open,

Riko discovered the shell was empty. Angry and tired, he threw it away. Later,

he noticed smaller, plain nuts nearby. He gathered them easily and enjoyed a full meal.

Riko sat on a branch and laughed at himself. “Not everything that looks valuable truly is,” he realized.

“And simple things often give the most.”