A traveler came upon an old wise farmer working his field beside the road.

Ready to take a break from his journey, the wanderer hailed the countryman, who seemed happy enough to take a break himself, and talk for a moment.

“What type of people live in the next town?” asked the stranger.

“What were the people like where you’ve come from?” replied the farmer, answering the question with another question.

“They were bad. Troublemakers, and lazy too. The most selfish people in the world, and not one of them is to be trusted. I’m happy to be leaving the crooks, and never want to return.”

“Is that so?” replied the old farmer. “Well, I’m afraid that you’ll find the same type in the next town.

Disappointed, the traveler dragged himself on his way, and the farmer returned to his work.

Sometime later, another stranger, coming from the same direction, hailed the farmer.

“What sort of people live in the next town?” he asked.

“What were the people like where you’ve come from?” replied the farmer once again.

“They were some of the best people in the world. Hardworking, honest, and friendly. I’m sorry to be leaving them, but I must continue on in my journey.”

“Fear not,” said the farmer. “You’ll find the same sort in the next town.”

[vc_message]The stories found in Curious Fortune are not all original Curious Fortune creations; some are sourced from other creative artists who have shared their work online.[/vc_message]