By Martha Hughes
Deep in the rainforest of Africa lived a herd of elephants: Mama Elephant, Papa Elephant, Sister Elephant Lola, and Baby Elephant Stompy.
_______________________________________________
One rainy afternoon Mama and Papa shared some news with Stompy and her sister Lola.
“We’re going to visit Grandma and Grandpa elephant,” Papa said.
“They are planning on selling their farm and we want to visit them before they relocate.”
Stompy and her sister bubbled with excitement and talked non-stop as they planned their visit.
“Mama, can I take my swimsuit?” Stompy asked.
“Of course, dear,” Mama replied. “There’s a lovely lake near Grandma’s house.”
For the next few weeks they planned, cleaned and left everything ready before their big trip. Finally, the day arrived.
After breakfast, they packed their hats for the sun and boarded the train to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm. Stompy marvelled at the passing scenery: the magnificent rocky mountains, the rolling plains and the wild African animals roaming free and wild took her breath away.
The trains toot, toot, for four long hours. Stompy and Lola ate, slept, looked out the window and coloured in. Just as they were getting sleepy again, the announcer called over the speaker that they would be arriving at their destination.
The girls grinned and bounced on their seat with excitement.
Arriving at their destination, Stompy and her sister spotted Grandma and Grandpa waiting for them.
With a squeal the girls ran to them and hugged.
“Grandma! Grandpa!” they exclaimed.
“My girls, I’ve missed you,” Grandma said with a smile.
“Hello, my beautiful girls,” Grandpa added.
After gathering their bags, they headed to the farm, arriving just as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in breathtaking hues of orange, pink, and blue.
Grandma had baked a delicious wild berry pie, and after dinner, they retired to bed, exhausted from the long journey.
The next morning, Stompy eagerly rose early, drawn by the enticing aroma of pancakes.
She did her morning worship with her sister Lola who read her a story from the Bible and after praying together she bolted to the kitchen.
“Can I help make pancakes?” she squealed – giving her grandparents and her parents a big kiss with her trunk.
Everyone laughed.
“Yes Stompy. You can flip a few.” Grandma offered.
A few minutes later the family sat around the table, thanked God for their food and ate warm fluffy pancakes.
The kitchen was cleaned and everyone was free to do what they liked.
“Can I help feed the animals, Grandpa?” Stompy asked eagerly.
“Most definitely!” Grandpa replied with a twinkle in his eye.
Grandma instructed the girls to gather eggs from the chicken coop, feed the animals, and tend to the ducks at the pond.
“But girls, please do not go near the Ostrich, Cecil, he is easily aggravated and one kick from him could hurt you very, very badly.”
Stompy eyes rounded. “Why do you have an Ostrich, grandma?” she asked perplexed.
“We found him hurt one evening – your grandpa was working in the field, and he felt sorry for him. He was dying, but we prayed and took great care of him.”
“So is he going to live here forever?” Lola said.
“When he is completely recovered, we will take him back to the wild where he lives. We know he has a family out there.” Grandma smiled. “Now, off you go and enjoy the farm. And don’t forget to keep away from Cecil.” She called after them as both girls ran out of the house.
Intrigued, Stompy couldn’t resist peeking at Cecil when he was outside.
Cecil was in fenced area with lots of space for him to move in. Stompy watched as he walked around – he was tall, with very strong pink legs and a feathery black and white body. Just then Cecil turned around and stared at Stompy.
Stompy jumped back and ran towards her sister to help her feed the hens and ducks.
The day went by very fast as the girls enjoyed the fun life on the farm. But as the minutes went by, Stompy’s mind kept going to Cecil. Maybe she should just say hi – she won’t bother her just say a little hello. The more she thought about it the more she liked the idea. While Lola was busy playing with the baby chicks and the hens, Stompy sneaked away and headed to Cecil’s area.
She peeked over the fence and smiled. “Hi Cecil.” She called.
But Cecil ignored her.
Stompy called again. But Cecil did not budge.
Hmm, thought Stompy. Maybe he can’t hear me. Looking around she found a long stick. She picked it up with her trunk and poked Cecil gently on the side. “Hi Cecil.” She poked her again.
This time Cecil turned around and stared directly at Stompy.
“Hi?” Stompy called.
Cecil lifted his head and ran towards Stompy. Then with great force he kicked the fence where stompy stood and send her whooshing across the ground.
The force opened the gate to the fenced area and Cecil got out.
Panicked, Stompy got up and began to run, shouting for help, while Cecil pursued her. The commotion drew the attention of the others, who watched as Stompy stumbled and fall into a mud puddle.
SPLASH! Stompy went face-first into the mud, crying out in dismay.
Cecil paused, pecked the ground and turned back to his area.
The family rushed to Stompy’s aid. Grandma and mama elephant gently picked her up and offered her a warm bath.
As Stompy sat in the warm bath, fresh tears fell and rolled down her trunk.
“I was so scared!” she sobbed to Mama.
Mama nodded. “I know you were.”
“I should have listened to grandma.” She added.
Mama nodded again. “Yes, that’s right. Grandma warned you because Cecil can really hurt you. One kick from an angry Ostrich could kill you.”
Stompy cried even more. “I’m sorry for not listening.”
“You can apologise to Grandma after your bath.”
“Okay.” Stompy squeaked.
Once she was cleaned and more relaxed. Stompy sat at the kitchen table with a piece of wild berry pie. She apologised to grandma and promised she was going to be a better listener and follow the rules.
Grandma kissed the top of her head and smiled. “I’m so glad you are okay.”
Stompy sighed. She was too. And in her heart she promised she would not do that again!
With a happier mood she took a big bite of the pie and ate it all until nothing was left on the plate.
With one more hug to her Grandma and Mama, her and Lola went back outside to play. But this time Stompy kept well away from Cecil and his fenced area.
PICTURE CREDIT- Pexel Free Images
