Nice

Neither red squirrel could recall how the competition began, and you can't really say it was a feud. When they played together as lads, it became important to crown which tail-boy was nicer.

Yes, it was a peculiar challenge, as each tried to top the other's generosity. First, they exchanged favorite squirrel toys, and the match eventually continued into adulthood. Then, it became increasing hoards of pine and fir nuts, seeds, flower buds, tender stalks and such exchanged.

The two squirrels took turns gifting each other with various found treasures until they were actually exhausted. But still, each squirrel desperately wanted to appear more nice, and be known as the very nicest of all.

Things got frenzied, then out of control, they both were locked and resolute in their obsession. Also, it became bad drama for the forest village. That's the moment when old Great Owl intervened.

Swooping down from a tall elm, the imposing elder landed on a big rock. "Of course, I've been watching. You're both acting like blockheads, even worse, humans. Not nice! You both lost standing. Now, go back to your families!"

The two squirrels realized the old bird was right, vowing that day going forward to never again desire to be so very nice.