Set a Purpose

Find out what three brothers do when they leave home.

Papá Chicharrón smiled at his three sons. Each had curly black hair, small dark eyes, tiny ears, and round, round stomachs, just like their father.

“Pereza, Gordo, and Astuto, it’s time for you to go into the world and make your fortunes.”

He handed them each little bags. “You’ll receive the same number of pesos I received from my papá when I was your age.”

They opened their bags and found two hundred coins.

“Can’t we stay here a little longer, Papá?” drawled Pereza, yawning, for he was lazy.

“This is impossible. How can we make our way in the world like this?” whined Gordo, who always looked for the quickest way to everything.

“I’ll do my best, Papá,” said Astuto, who always worked hard.

“With two hundred pesos and a lot of work, I did well for myself.” Their father spread his arms out, indicating his large house. “Now, get packed, hijos.”

The next morning, the Chicharrones were ready to set out.

“Don’t be greedy like a cerdo.” Their father grunted his advice. “And this is the most important thing to remember: Watch for the wolf at the door. He will try to take all you have, but you won’t know it until you have nothing left.”

“What?” replied Pereza, who had only half listened, while Gordo recounted his money.

“Gracias for the useful words, Papá,” Astuto said.

And so the brothers hugged and bade farewell to each other and their father.

They got into their cars and drove off in three different directions.