There was once a flock of sheep that lived in a green meadow. They were happy and content, grazing on the grass and playing with each other. They had a shepherd who took good care of them and protected them from danger.

    One day, a new sheep joined the flock. He was big and fluffy, with a long tail and sharp teeth. He said his name was Wooly and he had lost his family in a storm. The other sheep welcomed him and invited him to eat grass with them.

    But Wooly did not eat grass. He said he was not hungry, and he preferred to rest under a tree. The other sheep thought this was strange, but they did not question him. They thought he was just shy and needed some time to adjust.

    The next day, the same thing happened. Wooly did not eat grass with the other sheep. He said he had a stomachache and he wanted to drink some water. The other sheep were concerned, but they did not bother him. They thought he was just sick and needed some medicine.

    The third day, Wooly still did not eat grass with the other sheep. He said he had a toothache and he wanted to chew on some bones. The other sheep were puzzled, but they did not disturb him. They thought he was just in pain and needed some relief.

    But one of the sheep, named Curly, was very curious. He wanted to know why Wooly did not eat grass with them. He decided to ask him directly.

    “Hey, Wooly,” Curly said. “Why don’t you eat grass with us? Don’t you like it?”

    Wooly looked nervous and avoided Curly’s eyes.

    “Uh, well, you see…” Wooly stammered.

    “Yes?” Curly pressed.

    “I… I… I am allergic to grass!” Wooly blurted out.

    “Allergic to grass?” Curly repeated. “But how can that be? Grass is our main food!”

    Wooly shrugged and tried to smile.

    “I do not know. It is just how I am. I cannot help it.”

    Curly was not convinced. He thought Wooly was hiding something.

    “Come on, Wooly,” Curly said. “Tell me the truth. There must be another reason why you do not eat grass with us.”

    Wooly shook his head and backed away.

    “No, no, there is nothing else. I am allergic to grass, that is all.”

    Curly followed him and persisted.

    “Please, Wooly, do not lie to me. I am your friend. You can trust me.”

    Wooly sighed and stopped running.

    “Okay, okay, fine,” Wooly said. “I will tell you the truth. But you must promise not to tell anyone else.”

    Curly nodded eagerly.

    “I promise, I promise.”

  Wooly took a deep breath and confessed.

    “I do not eat grass with you because… because… I am not a sheep!”