The Horse and the Ass
A Horse and an Ass worked for the same master. The Ass was overloaded and asked the Horse for help.
The Horse refused.
Soon, the Ass collapsed and died. The master placed the entire load—and the Ass’s skin—on the Horse’s back.
The Horse groaned, “If only I had helped him when he asked.”
Moral: Helping others early can prevent greater burdens later.