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Short Story: The Tadpole in the Well

"A frog in a well does not know the great ocean, you see..."
At the bottom of a well, a frog was lecturing a tadpole.
"In other words, you mean that someone is acting arrogant without even realizing how narrow their perspective is."
"Whether they are arrogant or not, well, that's about the size of it."

The frog had been clinging to the wall of the well trying to escape, but his strength had failed him just before the end, and he had fallen back into the well; he had only just recovered from the serious injuries he sustained then.
It was just at that time that the tadpole, having been caught with his siblings in a rice paddy and then having jumped with all his might from a bucket, had fallen into the well.
Hearing the old frog's story, the tadpole began to think that it was fine to stay as he was. If he couldn't know the great ocean, what was the point of becoming a frog?

However, the laws of nature would not allow it. His hind legs, and then his front legs, grew, and he began to change into the form of a frog. All that remained was for his tail to be absorbed into his body.
"It won't be long now. Once that happens, you won't be able to stay a frog in a well."
The old frog urged him to escape.
"Why don't you come out too, Uncle?"
"Me? It's impossible for me. I've tried many times, so I know. I suppose I've just grown too old."
"I'll carry you on my back, so it'll be fine."
But even when the tadpole became a frog, he was only half the size of the old frog.
"I'm sorry. It doesn't look like it's possible..."
"There are all kinds of frogs, you know. More importantly, can you climb out safely? Give it a try."
"I'll try!"
The young frog began to climb. The well was old, and there were footholds made of stacked stones from the bottom, but the area near the final exit was reinforced with concrete and was slippery. Just a little further, and the young frog became unable to move.
"Don't give up. The great ocean is waiting for you."
The old frog's voice could be heard from just below. He had been supporting the young frog's bottom with his head and lifting him up.
"Uncle! Let's go out together!"
"I've reached my limit. My strength is gone. Now, go!"
Having said that, the old frog fell away.
"Damn it! I won't lose! I'll do it for you too, Uncle!"
The young frog finally climbed all the way out. He peered down from the edge of the well. The bottom was not visible.
"I did it! Uncle!" "Ouch, ouch, ouch. Well done." "Are you okay?"
"Ah, I'm fine." "Thank you, Uncle. It's all thanks to you. Are you okay on your own?" "Don't worry about me. That's right, let me teach you one thing. I told you the story about the frog in the well, didn't I?" "Yes." "There is a continuation to that saying." "A continuation?" "It goes like this: 'However, he knows the depth of the sky.' How blue the sky looks when you look up from here. Listen, it's not enough to just know the great ocean. You must also look up and know the blueness and depth of the sky." "Yes. Take care, Uncle!"
Holding back his tears, the young frog turned his back and jumped powerfully.
(The End)


Young frog, don't give up; Uncle, still in the well.
What happened to the young frog after that?
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