The Three Fish

In a clear lake surrounded by reeds and flowering trees lived three fish who had been friends for many years.

The first was Forethought. He noticed small changes and liked to plan before trouble arrived. The second was Readywit. She was quick-minded and could often find an answer at the very last moment. The third was Fatalist. He believed that whatever was meant to happen would happen, so there was little reason to prepare.

One warm afternoon, the three friends were resting beneath broad lotus leaves when voices came from the bank.

Two fishermen had stopped beside the lake.

“Look at all those fish,” said one. “Let us return tomorrow morning with our nets.”

The fishermen walked away, but Forethought had heard every word.

“We should leave tonight,” he told his friends. “A narrow stream connects this lake to another pond beyond the hill. If we go before sunrise, we will be safe.”

Readywit swished her bright tail thoughtfully. “I have lived here all my life,” she said. “Perhaps the fishermen will not return. If they do, I will think of something.”

Fatalist gave a lazy circle through the water. “Why worry about tomorrow?” he asked. “Things happen when they are meant to happen. I am staying here.”

Forethought tried once more to persuade them, but neither fish changed their mind.

As evening settled over the lake, Forethought said goodbye. He followed the narrow stream through whispering reeds and reached the quiet pond beyond the hill.

At sunrise, the fishermen returned.

Their net spread across the water. Readywit and Fatalist darted among the reeds, but the net drew closer and closer.

Readywit forced herself to stay calm. When the net lifted her from the lake, she stopped moving and lay perfectly still. One fisherman loosened her from the mesh.

“This one is no good,” he said, placing her beside the water.

At once, Readywit gave a mighty flip and splashed back into the lake. She disappeared beneath a tangle of roots before either fisherman could catch her again.

Fatalist did not make a plan. He struggled first in one direction and then another until the net closed around him. Before the sun was high, the fishermen carried him away with their catch.

In the pond beyond the hill, Forethought lived safely because he had acted before danger arrived. Readywit survived because she stayed calm and used her quick mind. Both remembered their old friend and wished that he had listened when there was still time to choose.

Planning early is often best. When trouble arrives unexpectedly, calm thinking can still show the way. But ignoring a clear warning may leave no choice at all.