**Scene 119 "At the River"**
The time of sunset was approaching, and Basem was still waiting, so he decided to return home because Labeeb had not arrived. Just as Basem was about to leave, he saw Labeeb coming, laughing loudly, as if he were in the height of happiness.
**Basem:** Hey! I've been waiting for you a long time, and it seems you forgot me and spent a happy time without me.
But as Basem approached, he realized that Labeeb was laughing out of extreme anger, not happiness. Labeeb's expression was terrifying, harsh, and his laughter was mocking—it was self-directed mockery.
**Basem:** Labeeb, what's wrong? What's the matter? Tell me.
And in a completely different tone from his usual voice, as if he were another person, Labeeb spoke:
**Labeeb:** I have a great flaw in myself, Basem.
**Basem:** And what is it?
**Labeeb:** I cannot forget any of the people who caused me pain, insulted me, belittled me, or exploited me. And I cannot forgive them…
Do you know what made me this happy today? What made me late? I… was very generous today.
**Basem:** It's nice to be generous.
Labeeb burst out laughing, a frightening laugh, and said:
**Labeeb:** That poor donkey, a long time ago, used to walk on two legs like humans…
…but it was much stronger than them. One day, it was about to cross a great river, and all the humans were waiting behind it to cross…
The donkey felt the need to be generous and help one of them cross because it was strong. So it bent down, let someone ride on its back, and carried him safely to the other shore…
When it did that, the rest of the humans cheered happily:
"You hero… you are the hero… the hero!"
The donkey felt joy and decided to carry all the humans on its back across the river…
And the poor thing continues to this day, bending its back and carrying people, being struck while bearing their burdens, and whenever someone wants to insult anyone, they say "Hey, donkey!"…
All because it was endlessly generous. No matter how much it forgives, eventually the flood reaches its limit…
Because people do not hesitate to take advantage of opportunities and do not know their limits… Do you understand, Basem? Generosity has limits.
Then Labeeb left without adding another word, leaving Basem puzzled.
**Basem:** Wait… Labeeb, wait! I didn't understand anything. Wait…
Then he said in astonishment: Really, did the donkey walk on two legs like humans?? No, no… Labeeb is hiding a meaning behind this fable, and I won't sleep until I understand what it means.
**Narrator:**
I wonder… have you understood the lesson from this event and the story?
Or will you stay awake all night pondering its meaning?
1. Do not exploit the kindness and generosity of others.
2. Do not belittle others.
3. In this age, the benefactor often becomes the fool.
4. A person must know their own limits.
5. Thanking others and showing gratitude is a moral duty and a precious principle.
6. Be gentle with animals.
*"If you honor the noble, you master them… and if you honor the wicked, they rebel."* How true are these words…
From this event and story, there are many lessons and more than one moral, dear followers. Our series is deeper than it seems, so be perceptive and extract the benefits hidden between the lines and in the dialogues of its characters. Not all meanings are overt; many are subtle—be attentive.
The night fell… but Labeeb was not in his room. Where could he have gone?
**Narrator:**
We will meet in the next episode… see you then.