In a cozy little village, nestled beside a sparkling river, lived two brothers. One brother, let's call him Tom, was a cheerful fellow, always ready with a smile, even though his pockets weren't very full. His older brother, Fred, had a big house and lots of shiny coins, but he often wore a frown and wasn't very good at sharing.

One day, Tom wanted to have a little party for his children. He didn't have much food, so he went to Fred's big house. "Brother," Tom said politely, "could you spare a little something for our small celebration?"

Fred grumbled. He didn't like to give things away. He rummaged around and found the smallest, toughest piece of ham he could find. "Here," he said, not very nicely. "Take this."

Tom was a bit sad, but he thanked Fred and started home. On his way through the woods, he met a little old woman with kind, twinkling eyes. She saw the tough ham and Tom's slightly droopy shoulders. "What's troubling you, young man?" she asked in a gentle voice.

Tom explained about the party and the tiny piece of ham.

The old woman smiled. "Hmm," she said. "I have an idea! Tonight, your brother Fred is supposed to meet some grumpy goblins in the clearing by the old oak tree. He's promised them something valuable for a magic tablecloth. This tablecloth, you see, can make any food you wish appear on it! You go to the meeting place, hide. When the goblins ask what Fred will give for the tablecloth, you jump out and shout, 'This piece of ham!'"

Tom was a bit nervous, but he trusted the kind old woman. That night, he hid behind the big oak tree. Soon, Fred arrived, looking around anxiously. Then, with a puff of green smoke, three grumpy-looking goblins appeared.
"Alright, Fred," growled the chief goblin, "what will you give for this magnificent, food-making tablecloth?"

Before Fred could utter a word, Tom bravely stepped out from behind the tree. "I'll give you this piece of ham!" he declared, holding up the tough little ham.

The goblins stared. Fred stared. Then, the goblins started to chuckle. "Ham? For a magic tablecloth?" one snorted. "That's the silliest trade we've ever heard! We like silly! Alright, boy, it's a deal!" They snatched the ham, gave Tom the neatly folded tablecloth, and vanished in another puff of smoke, leaving Fred speechless and empty-handed.

Tom hurried home. He spread the tablecloth on his little table and wished for a feast. Poof! Delicious cakes, roasted chicken, jugs of juice, and bowls of sweet berries appeared! Tom and his family had the most wonderful party. From then on, they always had enough to eat and plenty to share with their neighbors.

Fred heard about Tom's good luck. He saw Tom sharing wonderful food with everyone in the village. Fred was not happy. He was very jealous! "How did you get so rich and get that amazing tablecloth?" he demanded one day.

Tom, being a kind brother, told Fred the whole story about the old woman, the goblins, and the ham.

Fred thought, "If Tom can do it with a tiny ham, I can do it even better with a huge one!" So, he grabbed the biggest, juiciest ham he owned and marched into the woods. He soon met the same little old woman. "Out of my way, old woman! I'm on important business!" he snapped, without even a "hello." The old woman just shook her head sadly and said nothing.

Fred found the clearing and waited. When the goblins appeared, he proudly held up his enormous ham. "Here!" he shouted. "A much better ham than my brother's! Give me your best magic!"

The goblins just scowled. "We already traded our tablecloth for ham once," one grumbled. "And you're not polite like your brother," said another. "We don't like your attitude, or your ham!" And with a final, grumpy "Hmph!" they took his big ham anyway and gave him a small bag filled with ordinary pebbles before disappearing.

Tom continued to live happily, always using his magic tablecloth to help others and make sure everyone had a tasty treat. Fred, well, Fred was still a bit grumpy with his bag of pebbles, but maybe he started to learn that being greedy and rude doesn't bring happiness. And sometimes, a little bit of kindness (and a surprising piece of ham) can lead to wonderful things.

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