Once upon a time, on a big farm, a mother hen lost one of her chicks. The chick was happily digging in the ground the whole day, paying no attention to what was happening around him, until evening came and he realised neither his siblings nor his mother were nearby. Everyone had gone home without him. And in fact, while digging, he had strayed quite far.
“How do I find my way home now? I don’t know this place at all!” exclaimed the chick, in fright. Just then, he noticed a big, dark shadow approaching him. It was the shadow of the farmer’s horse, who was just returning to his pen.
“How can I help you, little fellow?” asked the horse.
“I think I’m lost. Actually, I’m sure I’m lost and I’m already so tired,” replied the chick, yawning. “I was looking for treats in the yard all day and now it’s time to sleep, but I can’t find my way home. I have no idea where my home is!”
The horse whinnied in sympathy and immediately offered: “If you want, you can sleep over in my stable. There’s plenty of room there!”
It was twilight now, and the farm was cloaked in half-darkness. Crickets were singing their good-night song to the farm animals, and the chick agreed to stay in the horse’s stable for the night. But the wooden floor there was too hard and cold.
“Don’t you by any chance have a slightly softer and warmer place where I could sleep?” asked the chick.
At first, the horse just neighed in surprise. “Softer and warmer? Why would you want that?” he asked, puzzled. “I always just stand over there in the corner and sleep!” The horse had no idea that chickens don’t sleep…
