The power of stories

by Sarah Nichols

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of animals, where all lived together in one same place, but not quite in harmony. Each
animal would stay with their own kind - the crocodile swam with other crocodiles, the elephant walked with other
elephants, the antelope grazed with other antelopes, and the monkey climbed trees with other monkeys. And so it was
in this wonderful kingdom.

But Fox did not have any other foxes to be with. He would simply wander around all on his own.
One day, as he was walking towards the river to have a sip of water, Rabbit leapt out after a refreshing morning swim.
My, what strong legs you have to swim so fast and jump so high! admired Fox.
Well yes, replied Rabbit swiftly. Thats what I do. I must go now - good bye!
Rabbit promptly went on her way.

No wait! cried Fox running after her. Dont go! Please stay with me I am so alone, and you seem like such a wonderful
companion.
But youre a fox! Youll just eat me! protested Rabbit.
No, I would never! Youre too beautiful to eat smiled Fox.
Beautiful? asked Rabbit, her toes and ears curling up with pleasure.
Oh yes! said Fox. Your eyes are like a starry night and your fur is like a velvet gown. Let us be together! I will treat you well,
I promise!

Here, cried Fox. I give you this turtle as a token of my love.

What ever shall I do with a turtle? exclaimed Rabbit. If youre lonely, why dont you find someone else?
Oh but I have tried! Fox insisted. I have looked all over the kingdom! And you wouldnt believe the things I have
seen
Oh? Like what? asked Rabbit, her curiosity aroused.
Well, said Fox. Let me tell you

First, I went to see the chickens. They make me laugh so much with their little stick feet! I asked if they wanted to
play with me. They must have thought that I wanted to race with them, because they started running as fast as they
could! I suppose it was only fair that they get a head start. When I felt it appropriate, I started running as well. But
by then, they had scattered in all directions! Im not sure they understood the concept of a race
So I left them and went to look for someone else.

I went to see the cats and mice. They were going to play a game of tug of war! I love that game! I begged them to let
me join Alas, the chief cat hissed at me and proclaimed, This is a war between cats and mice!
Yeah! squeaked the mice.
And off they went, in their fearful battle, leaving me to wander on my own

And thats when I saw the most fascinating sight I have ever seen! A herd of elephants was dancing around in a circle,
holding each other by the tail with their trunks! Round and round they were going to the rhythm of their feet. What a
curious spectacle I tried to join in, but I had no trunk. So I bit one elephants tails and stuck out my own tail for the
other to grab. The elephants were furious! They stamped loudly, grunting and thrashing their horns in the air and
stormed off, leaving a cloud of dust behind them.

How fascinating! squealed Rabbit. Have you got more stories like those?
Oh yes!, replied Fox, puffing up his chest. Come and walk with me, and I will tell you lots of stories
And off they went, side by side, telling each other many stories and sharing wonderful adventures.

The End

Story by Sarah Nichols

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