God and the 12 Zodiacs

In the celestial realm where the stars aligned to guide the destinies of the earthly beings, God decided to hold a grand banquet. An invitation was sent to all the animals, including the Cat, Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Each was eager to attend, knowing the significance of the event.

The Rat, known for his cleverness, was best friends with the Cat. However, a mischievous thought crossed his mind. He whispered to the Cat, "The banquet has been canceled," intending it as a harmless prank. Trusting his friend, the Cat stayed home, missing what was to become the most crucial gathering of their lifetimes.

On the day of the banquet, the animals lined up, led by the cunning Rat, and arrived at the celestial feast. God greeted them warmly, and as each animal took their place at the table, they were honored with a year in the zodiac cycle, their names forever etched in time. The Rat, being first, was given the honor of leading the zodiac, followed by the diligent Cow, the fierce Tiger, the gentle Rabbit, the majestic Dragon, the wise Snake, the gallant Horse, the kind-hearted Sheep, the playful Monkey, the proud Rooster, the loyal Dog, and finally, the noble Boar.

When the banquet concluded, the animals noticed the absence of the Cat. The Rat’s heart sank as he realized the gravity of his prank. The Cat, having been left out, learned the truth and was heartbroken. His name would never grace the zodiac, all because of the Rat's deception.

From that day, the Cat and Rat's friendship was irreparably broken. The Cat, feeling betrayed, chased the Rat whenever they crossed paths, a reminder of lost trust. The Rat, though he apologized endlessly, lived with the regret of losing his dearest friend. The joy of his zodiac honor was forever shadowed by the cost of his jest.

This tale serves as a timeless reminder of the power of trust and the consequences of deceit, echoing the eternal dance between the Cat and the Rat across the ages.