The donkey worked hard all day, and in the evening he was very tired.
Slowly, he walked home.
The ox was waiting for him. “Dear donkey,” the ox said. “I had a lovely day today. I ate some grass, drank some water and I rested under a big tree. I want to rest again tomorrow. What shall I do? Give me another idea.”

The donkey looked at the ox. “His work is much worse than mine,” he thought. “I don’t want to do it again tomorrow.”
“My friend,” he said at last. “You must be careful. The farmer was talking to his wife today. I heard him saying ‘My ox is always tired and now he is sick. If he is not better tomorrow, I will kill him, and we can eat the meat.'”

The ox was very frightened. “What? Did he say that?” he cried. “Then I will work tomorrow. I feel quite better now. I’m not tired at all!”