The Grateful Frog

Once upon a time, in a quiet village in the countryside of Tongyeong, Korea, lived a kind old woman named Jisun. One rainy evening, she found a tiny frog struggling in a puddle. " - Oh, poor little thing," she said, carefully picking it up. She placed the frog in a warm, dry spot and gave it a little leaf umbrella. The next morning, she discovered a golden coin by her doorstep. " - Where did this come from?" she wondered.

Another rainy night followed, and Jisun heard a tiny ribbit outside her door. She opened it to find the same little frog, shivering in the cold. " - You poor thing, come inside," she said with a tender smile. She let the frog stay until the rain stopped. The morning brought another golden coin.

Each time the frog appeared, Jisun willingly offered her kindness, and each time, a golden coin would appear. Curious villagers began to notice her newfound wealth. " - How do you come by such fortune, Jisun?" they asked. Jisun simply smiled, not wanting to reveal the secret of her little friend. She cherished the company more than the coins.

One day, as Jisun waited for the frog, it did not appear. Concerned, she searched the village and nearby fields. " - Where could you be, little friend?" she whispered to the wind. Days turned into weeks, and the little frog was nowhere to be found. Jisun felt a pang of loneliness without its cheerful presence.

Jisun's heart grew heavy with each passing day. " - Perhaps my kindness was not enough," she sighed, contemplating giving up her search. The absence of the frog left her feeling empty and alone. But deep inside, she knew she had done her best. She decided to find solace in her memories of the little friend.

One evening, as she sat by the fireplace, a gentle knock was heard at her door. Opening it, she was greeted by a kind young man. " - Thank you for saving me," he said, bowing deeply. Jisun was puzzled, " - I don't understand." The young man explained he was the frog, trapped by a spell broken by her kindness.

The young man shared how her warm heart had freed him from the enchantment. " - You showed me true kindness," he said with gratitude. Jisun realized her kindness was indeed its own reward. Her heart felt lighter, knowing she had made a difference. The young man promised to visit often, ensuring she would never be lonely again.

From that day on, Jisun's life was filled with joy and friendship. She learned that true charity brings unexpected joys and connections. " - Kindness is a treasure of its own," she often said, sharing her story with others. The village admired her even more, understanding the depth of her heart. And Jisun never felt lonely again.