Once upon a time, in the animal kingdom, there was a bountiful harvest and the king called for a dance competition to celebrate. All animals were to organise themselves according to their families. They would then get food prizes that they could store in their granaries.
One day, the trumpets sounded. Then two drum beats followed and the parrot was heard in his sharp clear voice.
“Greetings to all of you. It is the pleasure of the King to remind you that our dance competition will take place in two days’ time. All the best in your preparations and may the best family win. See you then!”
The Elephant’s family and the Hare’s family shared a dancing ground during their rehearsals. On the last day of practice, Hare’s family was not in action.
“I have not seen any of Hare’s family member today at the ground?” said baby Elephant.
“Me too. I thought they would come later into the day but there was no sign of them.” Said Mrs. Elephant.
The Elephant’s family talked about their friends and wished that nothing terrible had happened to them. Mr. Elephant decided to go to the Hares’ and find out what happened.
It was dark outside. Most animals had gone to rest early as they waited for the big day. Mr. Elephant did not meet anyone on the way. On arrival at the Hares’ house, the youngest Hare was sited under the tree singing. When he saw Mr. Elephant he jumped up to meet him on the way.
“Good evening Mr. Elephant.”
“Good evening to you.” Replied the elephant.
Gesturing him to their house. “You are welcome home. What brings you at this hour of the night?”
“Aha! I came to check up on my friends. Aren’t you my friends?”
“Yes, we are friends.” Assuring him with a smile.
“Good. Where is everyone?”
“Oh. It is sad. We did not come for the dance practice today because our father got ill last night.”
“Indeed, that is sad!”
Mr. Hare had a terrible fever. He complained of pain all over his body and joints. His family decided to take him to Mr. Zebra, the healer who lived in the next jungle. They had hoped that he would feel better soon and be in for the contest.
“When did they leave?” asked Mr. Elephant.
“Not so long ago, this evening.”
“I will be after them now. I know they have not gone far.”
The decision to follow them came as a surprise to the young Hare. He could not believe it, that Mr. Elephant was going to miss being at the dance competition because he wanted to help in carrying his father to the healer.
“But…the rule is that all family members must dance. Are you willing to disappoint your family on this?”
“Don’t worry, friends are precious. True friendship has no room for loneliness and pain. We are together in this.”
As Mr. Elephant rushed towards the route to the next jungle the young Hare was left smiling at himself. He said, “Sacrifice is an ingredient to genuine friendship. Thank you, Mr. Elephant.”
Read The Baboon and the Giant Banana Tree – Children’s Story by Mosekiemang Kealeboga, Botswana
