In a lush green forest, there lived a beautiful peacock with feathers that sparkled in vibrant colors. The peacock loved to show off and often strutted around the forest, boasting about being the most beautiful.

One day, the peacock met a wise old tortoise. "Why are you so proud, dear peacock?" the tortoise asked gently.

"I am the most beautiful creature in the forest! Everyone should admire me!" the peacock replied, puffing out its chest.

The tortoise smiled and said, "Beauty is not everything. It's what’s inside that counts."

The peacock laughed and continued showing off. Later that day, a storm came to the forest. The winds howled, and the rain poured down. The other animals found safe places to hide, but the peacock stayed outside, thinking its beauty would protect it.

As the storm grew stronger, the peacock's feathers became soaked, and it struggled to find shelter. Meanwhile, the tortoise had found a cozy spot under a big rock.

The next morning, when the storm ended, the peacock felt tired and realized beauty alone had not kept it safe. It went to the tortoise and said, "You were right. I should have listened to you."

The tortoise smiled kindly and replied, "True beauty is in being humble and kind."

From that day on, the peacock learned to value inner qualities more than outer appearances.