Deep in a lush green forest, a huge male lion rested peacefully beneath an old tree. His golden mane spread around his head like an enormous, fluffy pillow. Every animal that passed by quickly changed direction, afraid of waking the king of the jungle.
Just then, a tiny white cat stepped out from behind the bushes. Instead of running away, the cat slowly walked toward the lion and stared curiously at his magnificent mane.
The lion opened one eye and looked down at the fearless little visitor.
“Aren’t you afraid of me?” he asked in a deep voice.
The cat did not answer. It walked closer, rubbed its head against the lion’s mane, and pressed both paws into the soft fur as if testing a mattress.
The lion was deeply touched. He believed the little cat was brave, friendly, and eager to become his new companion. He gently touched noses with the cat, then wrapped one enormous paw around its tiny body.
They rested together beneath the tree as warm sunlight filtered through the leaves. The lion smiled proudly, convinced that he had just found a very special friend.
A few seconds later, however, the cat climbed directly onto his mane. It turned around several times, adjusted the fur with its paws, and finally curled up comfortably.
Then the cat raised its head and asked,
“So… what time do you usually go to sleep?”
The lion blinked in confusion.
“I’m already sleeping. Why?”
The cat happily snuggled deeper into his mane.
“Oh, nothing. I just wanted to know when this bed officially opens.”
The lion stared silently as the cat closed its eyes and began to purr.
Only then did the king of the jungle realize the truth.
The little cat had not come looking for friendship.
It had come looking for a warm, fluffy bed—with free security included.
