# The Two Friends and the Bear - Link: https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-two-friends-and-the-bear/ - Published: 2026-10-30T02:33:06+05:30 - Author: MAHENDRA MANCHIKALAPATI [English Language Lab](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/)/[Stories for Kids](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/)/ [Moral Stories & Fables](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/)/ The Two Friends and the Bear ✦A fresh retelling of a traditional fable # The Two Friends and the Bear Two travellers promise to look after each other. A sudden fright shows them that friendship needs more than brave words. 📖 4-minute read🍃 Ages 5–11✨ Friendship and keeping promises [Begin reading ](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-two-friends-and-the-bear/#sf-story-text) [More moral stories & fables](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/) ![Two travelling friends stand safely beside a tree and fallen log while a brown bear walks away in the distant forest.](https://thecuriosi.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/10/two-friends-and-bear-illustration.png) **A promise needs a helping hand**Read together · Retell · Imagine Settle in and read at your pace A story to read together ## The Two Friends and the Bear Take your time. Let the story unfold. Ravi and Kiran set off for the next village with bread in their bags and a long morning ahead. The road wound through a forest before reaching the open fields. “ Whatever happens, we will help each other,” Kiran said. Ravi smiled. He had known Kiran for years, and the promise made the unfamiliar path seem friendlier. Chapter one ### Friends on the road They walked beneath tall trees, talking about the market they hoped to reach. Ravi carried the bread while Kiran carried a flask of water. When a stone slipped into Ravi’s sandal, Kiran waited. When Kiran grew thirsty, Ravi found a shady place for them to rest. Helping seemed easy on an ordinary morning. After a while, the forest grew quieter. Then a heavy rustling came from the bushes ahead. A brown bear stepped onto the path, and both travellers stopped in fright. Chapter two ### A promise forgotten Kiran saw a low branch and scrambled into the nearest tree. In his fear, he thought only of getting himself out of the way. He did not look back or offer Ravi a hand. Ravi could not reach the branch. In this old make-believe tale, he dropped beside a fallen log and lay very still. The bear wandered towards him. From above, Kiran watched silently. For the first time that morning, Ravi felt completely alone, even though his friend was only a few steps away. Chapter three ### The bear moves on The bear sniffed near the log, paused, and turned towards a patch of berries farther down the path. Soon it disappeared among the trees. Ravi waited until the forest was quiet again, then sat up and brushed leaves from his sleeve. Kiran climbed down. He tried to laugh, but the laugh sounded thin. “The bear came close to your ear,” he said. “Did it whisper a secret?” Ravi looked at him. “It reminded me to choose companions whose promises last when things become difficult.” Chapter four ### The walk afterwards Kiran lowered his eyes. “I was frightened,” he admitted. “But I left you without even trying to help. I am sorry.” Ravi nodded. “I was frightened too. I needed to know you were thinking of me.” They rested before continuing to the village together. Kiran carried both bags for a while and listened instead of making another grand promise. Ravi did not pretend that everything was instantly repaired. Trust would take time. Yet an honest apology and a willingness to change gave their friendship a place to begin again. The end ### Story path [01Friends on the road](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-two-friends-and-the-bear/#sf-chapter-friends-on-the-road) [02A promise forgotten](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-two-friends-and-the-bear/#sf-chapter-a-promise-forgotten) [03The bear moves on](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-two-friends-and-the-bear/#sf-chapter-the-bear-moves-on) [04The walk afterwards](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-two-friends-and-the-bear/#sf-chapter-the-walk-afterwards) ### Word basket **companion**a person who goes somewhere or spends time with you **promise**something you say you will do **scramble**to move quickly using hands and feet **trust**the belief that someone will be honest and dependable **Read it together** This is a make-believe fable about friendship, not advice for meeting a wild animal. Discuss how friends can ask for help, admit mistakes, and rebuild trust through actions. ## After the final page There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine. Remember What did Kiran promise before the walk? Think Why was Ravi disappointed even after the bear had gone? Imagine What actions could help Kiran rebuild Ravi’s trust? **Make something:** Create a friendship promise card with three small actions you can actually practise, such as listening, including someone, or asking a trusted adult for help. [← Previous storyThe Honest Woodcutter](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-honest-woodcutter/) [Browse all stories ↗](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/) [Next story →The Farmer and His Sons](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/moral-stories-and-fables/the-farmer-and-his-sons/) Share this