Assumptions, Trust & Regret

Assumptions, Trust & Regret

Once, a young couple lived with their infant child and a pet mongoose they had lovingly raised. Though the animal had a dubious reputation, they saw only loyalty and affection in it.

One day, an urgent errand called them both away, leaving the child momentarily alone. On returning, they were horrified. The mongoose greeted them, its mouth smeared in blood.

In a moment of panic and rage, fearing their child had been attacked, they struck the mongoose with a stone.

Then they rushed into the room.

The child lay asleep—safe, untouched. 

Beside the cradle was a dead snake, killed by the mongoose.

The blood wasn't the child's. It was the enemy's. 

The mongoose had been a protector, not a predator.

They returned to the doorway, only to find the mongoose lying lifeless.

Killed by their own hands.

The Weight of Impulse and Assumption

“The damage we cause in seconds often takes a lifetime to regret.”

This tale isn't just folklore—it's a mirror.

• We often judge situations without all the facts.

• We react instead of reflecting.

• We may harm those who are actually helping us, simply because things look wrong.

“What you see at first glance is not always the full picture.”

Key Lessons from the Mongoose Story

1. Don’t Jump to Conclusions

What we assume in a moment of emotion can cost dearly. 

Pause. Think. Investigate. Even if it’s urgent.

“A moment of anger can destroy what years of trust built.”

2. Good Doesn’t Always Wear a Label

The mongoose had a reputation—but it had loyalty too. 

Sometimes, the people or ideas we doubt may actually save us.

“Judge people by their actions, not by their appearances or assumptions.”

3. Intent Matters More Than Impression

Blood on the face doesn’t mean guilt. 

Effort and loyalty can be messy—but sincere.

“Don’t punish someone just because their truth isn’t obvious.”

4. Regret Comes Too Late

Once you’ve thrown the metaphorical (or literal) stone, some wounds never heal. 

Sometimes, you can't take it back.

“A split-second decision can cost a lifelong companion.”

Final Thought

How often do we “kill the mongoose” in our lives?

• Dismissing a friend based on one misunderstanding.

• Assuming the worst without asking questions.

• Reacting in anger instead of responding with thought.

“Before you strike—pause, look, listen.” “What appears threatening may be protecting you.”

This story reminds us of the silent heroes around us.

And the danger of mistaking them for villains.