Belling the Cat

In a cozy old house lived a large family of mice. But every night they trembled with fear, because a sly cat loved to sneak up quietly and try to catch them. No one ever knew when the cat might appear.

One night, the mice called a meeting in their secret burrow beneath the floorboards, determined to find a way to solve the troublesome cat problem once and for all. Every mouse eagerly offered up ideas.

A little young mouse jumped up excitedly and said, "I have a brilliant idea! Let's tie a bell around the cat's neck! Then every time it comes near, the bell will jingle and warn us so we can run away in time!" All the mice clapped and cheered loudly in agreement.

Everyone smiled, certain their problem was solved at last. But just then, a wise old gray mouse raised a paw and asked gently, "That truly is a wonderful idea. But tell me — who among us will go and tie the bell onto the cat's neck?"

Suddenly the room fell completely silent. Not a single mouse volunteered. And so the mice learned that a clever plan also needs someone brave enough to carry it out before it can truly solve anything.