Two weary travelers were walking along a dusty road under the blazing sun when they spotted a large, leafy tree standing tall by the roadside. Grateful for its shade, they hurried over and sat down beneath its sprawling branches.

As they rested, one traveler looked up at the tree and said, “What kind of tree is this? Does it bear any fruit or have any other use?”

His companion replied, “Oh, this is just a plane tree. It doesn’t give fruit, its wood isn’t valuable, and it’s not good for much of anything.”

The first traveler scoffed. “Figures. A useless tree, just taking up space.”

At this, a rustling sound came from the branches above, and the plane tree spoke, its voice calm yet firm. “How ungrateful you are! Here you sit, enjoying my cool shade and finding relief from the harsh sun, and yet you dare to call me useless?”

The travelers looked at each other in shame, realizing the truth in the tree’s words.

Moral of the Story: People often overlook the value of something— or someone— that quietly helps them when they need it most. Never take kindness for granted.