The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage

Once upon a time, a mouse, a bird, and a sausage decided to set up house together. This unusual trio had met by chance in the forest and, finding that they each possessed different skills that complemented one another, they agreed that living together would be mutually beneficial.

They established a cozy little home in a hollow tree and divided the household duties among themselves according to their natural abilities. The bird’s job was to fly into the forest each day to gather wood for the fire. The mouse was responsible for fetching water, lighting the fire, and setting the table. The sausage was the cook, adding flavor to their meals and ensuring that everyone was well-fed.

Every day, when the bird returned with firewood, he would find the table set by the mouse. The sausage would be stirring the pot, rolling himself through the vegetables and meat to season everything perfectly with his spices. Their little household ran smoothly, and they lived together contentedly for many days.

“We work so well together,” the mouse would say happily as she scurried about setting the table.

“Indeed,” the bird would chirp, dropping off his daily collection of twigs and branches. “Each of us doing what we do best!”

“Dinner will be ready soon,” the sausage would announce proudly, giving the pot another stir with his plump, seasoned body.

However, one day, the bird was flying through the forest when he encountered another bird, who mocked him for his arrangement.

“You poor thing,” said the stranger bird. “Flying back and forth all day gathering wood while your housemates have it easy! The mouse just does a few simple tasks indoors, and the sausage merely rolls around in food. You’re being taken advantage of!”

The bird had never thought about it this way before. As he flew home with his bundle of sticks, he began to feel resentful. When he arrived, he dropped the wood more forcefully than usual.

“Is something wrong?” asked the mouse, who was in the middle of setting the table.

“I’ve been thinking,” said the bird, puffing out his chest. “Our division of labor isn’t fair. I’m out working hard all day while you two have easier jobs. I think we should switch roles.”

The mouse and the sausage exchanged glances, but before they could object, the bird continued, “From now on, the sausage will gather wood, the mouse will cook, and I’ll fetch water and set the table.”

“But we’re each suited to our tasks,” protested the sausage. “I’m perfect for cooking because my body naturally seasons the food.”

“And I’m small and nimble, good for household tasks,” added the mouse. “Besides, we’ve been happy with this arrangement.”

“We’re changing it,” insisted the bird. “It’s only fair that we all try different roles.”

Reluctantly, the mouse and the sausage agreed to the new arrangement. The next morning, they each set off to perform their new duties. The sausage waddled into the forest to gather wood, the mouse took over cooking duties, and the bird began fetching water and setting the table.

The bird finished his tasks quickly, feeling pleased with himself for having an easier day. He waited for his housemates to return, but as the hours passed, he grew concerned.

“The sausage should have been back by now,” he said worriedly to the mouse, who was struggling to season the soup properly.

“And I can’t seem to make the food taste right,” complained the mouse. “When I try to stir the pot like the sausage did, I get too hot and my fur gets singed!”

Just then, a fox appeared at their door, licking his chops. “I’ve come to inform you,” said the fox with a satisfied smile, “that I met your friend the sausage in the forest. He looked so delicious that I’m afraid I simply had to eat him. He sends his regrets.”

The bird and the mouse were horrified. In their grief and confusion, the mouse accidentally fell into the pot she had been trying to stir. Being small and not made for cooking, she couldn’t climb out and drowned in the hot soup.

The bird, distraught at losing both his friends, frantically flew around the house gathering firewood to build a larger fire, hoping somehow this might help. In his panic, he dropped a burning stick, which caught on his wing. Unable to put out the flames, the poor bird flew out the window in desperation, only to crash to the ground and perish as well.

And so, the once-happy household came to a tragic end because they abandoned the roles that suited them best. The bird’s dissatisfaction with his lot led to disaster for all three friends.

The moral of the tale is clear: each creature has its natural gifts and place. When we disrupt the natural order and covet roles not meant for us, chaos and misfortune often follow. It is better to appreciate our own talents and the contributions of others, rather than envying what we do not have.