One Golden Egg at a Time

A farmer visited his goose's nest one morning and found a shining yellow egg. He lifted it carefully. It felt much heavier than an ordinary egg resting in the straw.

He took the egg to a trusted neighbour, who examined it and confirmed that it was gold. The farmer returned home amazed, with the goose calmly feeding beside the barn.

The next morning, another golden egg waited in the same nest. One arrived each day, never two together. The farmer sold some and used the money to mend his leaking roof.

Soon the farm had a sound fence and enough food. But the farmer began counting future eggs before they existed. Waiting until tomorrow felt slower every time he looked at the nest.

Perhaps all the gold was hidden inside the goose, he wondered. If he could take it at once, he would never have to wait. The thought made him forget the living bird.

His daughter noticed his troubled expression and asked what he was planning. She reminded him that harming the goose would end their daily gift, as well as hurting a creature in their care.

The farmer stopped and looked at the goose. It was not a box of coins to be opened. His wish for more had nearly made him risk everything already helping the farm.

He brought fresh water and grain to the nest. The goose ate quietly, unaware of the plan that had been abandoned. The farmer promised his daughter he would be patient and careful.

Another golden egg appeared the next morning. The farmer accepted that one was enough for today. He set aside some money for repairs and shared some food with his neighbour.

The nest remained a quiet corner of a thriving farm. Each new morning brought a gift, and the farmer remembered the danger of demanding tomorrow's good things before today was finished.