At the center of the captivating rolling hills, lived a boy named Shepherd. His life was untarnished, simple, and honest. His only responsibility was to tend to his herd of rams.
Their gentle baas and the murmuring of the gales across the lone tree on the hilltop were his only co-dwellers. Day upon day, watching over his responsibilities imbued in him a feeling of calm satisfaction.
But, there were occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would yearn for fellowship. On one such day from sheer tedium, the shepherd boy orchestrated a naughty plan.
Narratives of wolves prowling on sheep had been heard times and again in the town. So, the boy decided to exploit this fear and played a trick on the townsfolk.
One day he ran into the village shouting “Wolf! A wolf is attacking my sheep!” The scared villagers ran up the hills to help but found no wolf.
The boy giggled at the dilemma on their faces. This game laughed for a few days more. But, one read more noon, a real wolf actually charge at the flock. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but could rescue only few of his flock. Heartbroken, he returned to the village only to be met with a reprimand on honesty and the results of crying wolf.
The story of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once broken, is difficult to regain. It's a story as relevant today as it was anciently.