One frosty morning, when the world was sleepy and white with snow, a kind farmer named Giles bundled up warm. He was walking through his fields, checking on his fences, when he saw something dark lying on the cold, hard ground.

It was a snake! The poor thing looked frozen stiff, like an icy stick.

Now, Farmer Giles had a big, warm heart. "Oh, you poor creature!" he thought. "You must be so cold. I can't just leave you here to freeze."

Gently, he picked up the stiff snake. He tucked it inside his warm coat, close to his chest, and hurried back to his cozy little cottage. Inside, a fire crackled merrily in the fireplace. Farmer Giles carefully laid the snake on a soft rug near the warm hearth. He watched and waited, hoping the little snake would be okay.

Slowly, so slowly, the snake began to wiggle. Its eyes flickered open. It stretched and uncoiled, feeling the lovely warmth.

Farmer Giles smiled. "There you go, little one! All better now."

But as the snake felt its strength return, it didn't feel grateful. It felt... like a snake. Suddenly, it hissed and lunged! It bit Farmer Giles on the hand that had saved it.

"Ouch!" cried Farmer Giles, more surprised and sad than hurt. He looked at the snake, which now slithered away, ready to be its wild self again.

Farmer Giles learned a tough lesson that day. Sometimes, even if you are very kind, some creatures will always be what they are, and you have to be careful.

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