Anansi and the Taste of Happiness

Anansi was in a foul mood. He had declared mangoes the best fruit in the world, and Turtle had calmly replied, “I prefer avocados.”

How dare he?

Anansi decided to prove everyone wrong. He would host a grand feast and serve only the things he liked. He told Iguana about his sweet yams. Iguana said he liked chicken. Anansi ignored him. He told Monkey about coconut. Monkey said he liked bananas. Anansi ignored him too.

On the day of the feast, everyone arrived. Monkey poked at the yams. Iguana sniffed the coconut soup. Nobody touched Anansi’s enormous pile of mangoes. The village grew quiet.

Finally, Turtle arrived carrying an old guitar instead of a dish. He began to play a gentle paranda. Monkey tapped his feet. Iguana swayed. Anansi watched his friends and felt his anger begin to melt.

He ran home and returned with a sweet avocado for Turtle, a banana for Monkey, and something Iguana would actually enjoy. Soon everyone was sharing food, laughing, and listening to the music.

Anansi learned that it is good to know what you like. It is even better to know what your friends like. The best flavor in the world is not mango or avocado. It is the taste of shared happiness.