In a cozy den, deep in the woods, lived Leo the Lion. One sunny morning, Leo woke up with a loud "Achoo!" and a very rumbly tummy. "Oh dear," he groaned, "I don't feel like hunting today. My roar sounds more like a little kitten's meow!"

Leo was usually a mighty hunter, but today he just wanted to stay in bed. But a lion still needs to eat! So, he thought of a sneaky plan. "I'll pretend I'm very, very sick," he chuckled to himself. "And all the animals will come to visit me!"

He lay down in his den and let out a weak little cough. "Oh, I am so unwell," he moaned loudly enough for anyone passing by to hear.

Soon, a fluffy bunny hopped by. "Oh, King Leo," said the bunny, peeking into the den. "I heard you were sick. I've come to see if you need anything."
"Come in, dear bunny, come in," whispered Leo. The bunny hopped in. And that was the last anyone saw of the bunny.

Next, a playful squirrel scampered near. "King Leo, are you alright?" chattered the squirrel.
"Oh, I feel terrible, little squirrel," Leo sighed. "Do come in and cheer me up." The squirrel scurried inside. And he didn't come back out.

One by one, different animals heard about the sick lion and went to visit. A deer, a badger, even a friendly bear. They all went into the den, but none of them came out.

Finally, along came Finley the Fox. Finley was known for being very clever. He walked towards the lion's den but stopped a little way from the entrance.
"Hello, King Leo!" Finley called out. "I heard you weren't feeling well."

Leo perked up. "Ah, Finley, my wise friend! Come in, come in! I'd love some company," he said, trying to sound very weak.

Finley looked carefully at the ground in front of the den. He tilted his head and squinted his eyes.
"Thank you for the invitation, King Leo," said Finley. "But I notice something rather interesting."
"Oh? What's that?" asked Leo, a little impatiently.

"Well," said Finley, pointing with his nose. "I see many, many footprints going *into* your den. But I don't see a single footprint coming *out*."

Leo the Lion just grumbled. He knew Finley was too smart to be tricked.

Finley the Fox smiled, gave a polite nod, and trotted off to find his lunch somewhere much, much safer. He knew it was wise to learn from what happened to others!

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