Be Nice With Me, I Will Be Nice With You

Molly the cow was enjoying a sunny afternoon in the green meadow. She munched on sweet, juicy grass, swishing her tail back and forth. All of a sudden, she heard a sound she had never heard before.

"Hssss... hssss..."

Molly looked down and saw a bright yellow snake coiled by her feet. Her big brown eyes went wide with fear. "Oh, no!" she thought. "A snake! I know what happens if a snake bites. I'll faint for sure!"

Just as Molly was about to swoon, the little yellow snake spoke up.

"Hey, dear cow," he said in a friendly whisper, "don't be afraid! I'm not here to bite you. I don't bite anyone without a good reason. Why would I waste my precious venom? It's stored for when a big, dangerous enemy shows up. But you are my friend, and I would never, ever bite a friend."

Molly's worried face turned into a big, happy smile. She was so relieved! The snake, whose name was Sunny, stayed for a little while, looking for a tasty bug to eat.

Soon, Sunny heard the heavy thump-thump-thump of footsteps coming closer. "Goodbye, Molly!" he hissed quickly, and with a swift wiggle, he disappeared into the grass just as the farmer came into the meadow.

From that day on, whenever Molly saw a snake, she remembered that not all snakes are scary. Some of them are just looking for a snack and a friend.