One sunny morning, a fluffy Donkey with big, kind eyes was munching on some tasty grass. His best pal, a clever Fox with a bushy tail, trotted over.
"Hey Donkey," said Fox, "how about we go on an adventure today? Maybe find some extra yummy berries in the deep woods?"
The Donkey, who always trusted his friend, brayed happily. "That sounds wonderful, Fox!"

So off they went, deeper and deeper into the woods. Suddenly, a great, big Lion with a mighty roar stepped out from behind a tree!
The Donkey's ears drooped. Oh dear! He was very scared.
The Fox, quick as a wink, thought, "I need a plan to save myself!"
He tiptoed to the Lion. "Mr. Lion," he whispered, "I can help you. I'll lead my friend Donkey into that deep pit over there. Then he'll be an easy catch for you, and you can let me go."
The Lion, who was feeling quite hungry, licked his lips. "Hmm, a good idea, little Fox," he rumbled. "You do that, and I'll see."

So, Fox went back to Donkey. "Donkey, my friend!" he said, trying to sound cheerful. "I told the Lion we're just passing through. But look! I found a shortcut with super-duper tasty grass at the bottom of this little dip! Follow me!"
The Donkey, trusting his friend, brayed happily. "Oh, goody!" And he trotted right after Fox.
Plop! Down he tumbled into a deep, muddy pit. He couldn't climb out.
"Fox, help me!" cried the Donkey.

The Lion strolled over to the edge of the pit. He looked down at the surprised Donkey. Then, he turned to the Fox, who was wagging his tail, expecting a thank you.
"Thank you, Fox," the Lion said, his eyes gleaming. "You've been so helpful. I think I'll have a little snack *before* I get to the main course."
And with that, the Lion decided the tricky Fox would be his first bite!
The poor Donkey, stuck in the pit, watched it all. He was sad for himself, but he also learned that sometimes, a tricky friend isn't a true friend at all.

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