Juha and the Fish

Juha walked through the bustling village market with coins jingling in his pocket. He paused at a fish stall, drawn by the sight of a large, glistening fish. The stall owner, seeing Juha's interest, waved him over. Juha’s stomach grumbled as he counted his money. - I can buy this fish and have a feast tonight! Juha thought excitedly. Little did he know, this simple purchase would lead to a tangled web of deceit.

Juha returned home triumphantly, clutching the fish to his chest. His wife greeted him at the door, curious about his purchase. - Guess what I’ve brought? he teased. - A fruit? she guessed, sniffing the air. Her eyes widened with delight. - Fish! she exclaimed. - Let’s make a feast! Juha declared, unaware of the trouble brewing.

The first obstacle came as Juha prepared to bathe. - Prepare my bath, dear, and then we’ll dine, he instructed. His wife, however, had other plans. As Juha bathed, she eyed the fish hungrily. - I could eat this all by myself, she thought, a mischievous glint in her eyes. The temptation was too much for her to resist.

While Juha soaked, his wife began to execute her plan. She cooked the fish, savoring every bite. - I’ll just have a little taste, she decided, taking a small piece. But one piece led to another, and soon the fish was gone. - Oh no, she gasped, realizing what she had done. Now, she needed a plan to cover her tracks.

Juha emerged from his bath, eager for his meal. - Is dinner ready? he asked, drying his hair. - Almost, dear! his wife called back, hiding her guilt. She quickly smeared fish remnants on Juha’s beard and hands. - This will do the trick, she thought. Juha sat, oblivious to the deceit unfolding before him.

Dinner time arrived, and Juha, still unaware, was confused. - Where’s the fish? I’m starving! he complained. His wife feigned surprise. - You ate it all, she insisted, pointing to his greasy hands. Juha inspected himself, baffled. - I must have been very hungry, he concluded, feeling tricked yet unsure.

Juha’s confusion deepened as he pondered the mystery. - How could I forget eating? he wondered aloud. His wife watched him closely, relieved her trick worked. - Maybe you were just very tired, she suggested. Juha nodded slowly, doubting his own memory. He yearned for justice, feeling something wasn’t right.

Frustrated and uncertain, Juha considered giving up. - Maybe I’m just getting old and forgetful, he sighed. His wife encouraged this doubt, hoping he’d drop the issue. But Juha couldn’t shake the feeling of being wronged. - I wish I could remember, he lamented. He longed for a solution to this puzzling problem.

Suddenly, Juha remembered an old friend’s advice. - Trust your instincts, he had always said. Juha decided to investigate. - I’ll find the truth, he promised himself. His resolve strengthened, he observed his surroundings carefully. - There must be something I missed, he mused, determined to uncover the deception.

Juha discovered the truth when he found the fish bones hidden in the trash. - Aha! he exclaimed triumphantly. - I knew something was fishy, he joked. Confronting his wife, he demanded justice. - You tricked me, he accused. She apologized, realizing her mistake. Together, they learned the value of honesty and justice.