TARO'S REWARD

a Japanese story retold

Taros Tragedy
Taro was a young woodcutter who lived in the hillside with his father and mother. He
was very hard-working. He wanted to help his parents but was always short of money.
One evening when Taro was sitting with his family, a strong wind blew. His old father
wished for some sak to fight the cold.

Taro is motivated to work harder
Taro felt sad because he didnt have enough money to buy the expensive Japanese
drink and fulfill his fathers wish. So he decided to work harder and earn more money.
The next morning, he went to work earlier than usual. He worked hard, cutting the wood
and tiring himself.

Taro finds sak
Taro felt thirsty for he was working very hard. Suddenly, he heard the sound of gushing
water. The area of the forest did not have any such source of water. He dropped his axe
rushed to its direction. When he reached there, he found a small waterfall. But instead
of cold water, it had sak.

Fathers wish is fulfilled
Taro tasted the waterfall and was delighted. He filled it in a pitcher and took it home. His
father was delighted to drink it too. And his coldness went away in one sip. He started
dancing out of happiness.

The news spreads in the neighbourhood
A neighbour visited Taros house the same day. And Taros father offered some sak to
her. She was amazed with the taste. She left for home and spread the news in the
whole village. That evening, many more visitors came by to take a sip of the heavenly
drink. And the pitcher was empty in an hour.
Taros neighbours get disappointed not to find sak