Shumtuwal was a very polite and kind girl. Her closest friend was her grandmother's hen.

She spoke to it and played with it.

Grandmother always said, "Shumtuwal, chickens are not pets, they are for food."

Shumtuwal always replied, "My hen is my friend grandma. She is the only true friend I have in the world."

Grandmother was worried about Shumtuwal.

She wanted her to have human friends and not spend all day talking to a hen at home.

Hmmmmm! Grandmother thought, "What will I do to stop my granddaughter from talking all day to a hen?"

She worried more. "I have an idea," Grandmother said.

One day, grandmother invited over some families. She gave them food, drinks, and gave toys to children to play with.

The children played with Shumtuwal. She laughed so much and forgot that she had not spoken to her hen that day!

Shumtuwal thought, "Oh, no! I have not spoken to my hen today, but I will later. I cannot leave my friends alone.

I will play with my favorite hen when my visitors have gone home."

From that day, Shumtuwal was happy. She often spoke with her schoolmates and friends.

Although she enjoyed playing with other children, she did not forget her favourite hen. She still fed and cared for her.

Shumtuwal thanked her grandmother. "Now, I know the importance of having human friends. I can play with them as well as with my favourite hen."

Shumtuwal now knew that human relationships are important.