“Kindness Contest!” shouted Rufus the rooster. “Whoever does the most kind things today wins a golden ribbon!”
Mollie’s ears perked up. A kindness contest? She was in.
First, she helped the ducklings cross the muddy path. Then, she fetched a lost ball for the piglets. She even shared her favorite shady spot with the sleepy goat.
But as she trotted around, she noticed something strange. Other animals were being kind too—but only when someone was watching.
Rufus called out, “Time’s up! Who will win?”
Mollie stepped forward, then paused. “Rufus,” she said, “kindness isn’t something you do for a ribbon. It’s something you do because it’s right.”
Rufus blinked. The barnyard was quiet. Then the animals started to nod.
“You’re right, Mollie,” said the old horse. “That’s the kind of winner we need.”
Mollie smiled. She didn’t get the ribbon—but she did get a big group hug.
Moral: True kindness is its own reward.