Story with a moral

FABLE

Think of a short tale often featuring talking animals that teaches a lesson, like those by Aesop.

A fable is a short story that teaches a lesson or moral, often using animals or mythical creatures as characters. The clue points directly to this meaning—no wordplay or tricks here. Think of Aesop’s tales like "The Tortoise and the Hare," where the story wraps up with a clear takeaway. The answer fits because it’s the classic term for this kind of moral-driven narrative.