Once upon a time, in a magical forest full of whimsy and wonder, there lived a speedy rabbit named Ruffle and a slow but steady turtle named Tula.

Ruffle loved to race. He would dash and dart, zoom and zip, always boasting, ‘I’m the fastest in the land, no one can keep up with this speedy band!’

One sunny day, as the sun sprinkled gold on the leafy green, Ruffle saw Tula walking slowly, as calm as the morning breeze.

Ruffle chuckled, ‘Hey Tula! Look at you, so slow! I bet you couldn’t beat a snail if you tried!’

'Oh Ruffle, I may be slow, but I have a secret you don’t know. Slow and steady wins the race. Would you like to try? It’s no disgrace,' Tula replied with wisdom in her eyes.

With a hop and a skip, Ruffle said, ‘Alright! Let's race to the old oak tree and see who’s right!’

On your mark, get set, and go! Ruffle zoomed off, leaving a trail of dust and glow. But Tula took it slow, enjoying the flowers that grow.

Hopping here and there, Ruffle took a nap without a care. ‘I’m so far ahead, I have time to rest,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Tula trotted forward, each step a steady beat, through the forest so sweet. The animals cheered, 'Go Tula, you can beat his feat!'

Ruffle woke up and to his surprise, Tula was near the finish line. ‘Oh no!’ he cried. He dashed but it was Tula who won with pride.

The forest erupted in cheer, ‘Tula, the magnificent turtle, won the race fair and square!’ Learning that pride and haste don’t always win the case.

'You see Ruffle,' Tula said with a smile, ‘not every race is about speed. Patience and persistence will take you far indeed.’