Page 8 - My FlipBook

When they reached the turn off to Pete‟s house, Rufus turned around and said, “Thank you for all
your help, but it‟s time for me to leave.” “What do you mean?” asked Pete confused. “I have to
start the road to the farm,” said Rufus. “Yes we know, but do you intend to go on this journey on
your own?” asked Anna. “Yes,” said Rufus, “I can‟t expect you to put your lives in danger for
my family.” “But what about your life, Rufus?” asked Anna. “She is right you know, you stand a
better chance with the two of us by your side,” said Pete. Anna looked at Pete in amazement.
Rufus wanted to disagree, but then he remembered the words of the sparrow. “You are right,” he
answered, “this is a journey I can‟t take on alone.” “Since that has been settled, shall we get
going? The stream is still miles away,” said Anna as she started walking.
The wall of the farm became visible as they reached the stream. We are so close, now to find a
way across, thought Rufus as he walked towards the water. “Where are you going, Rufus? We
can‟t swim remember it‟s not something mice do,” he heard Pete shout from behind. “He is right,
there is no way we can cross,” said Anna in agreement. “We must find a way! We can‟t give up
now,” said Rufus determined. He looked at the stream and walked to where the water reached the
grass. He lifted his foot to place it in the water.
“I wouldn‟t do that if I were you,” he heard. On the water, close to the grass, he saw a
grasshopper on a leaf. “The stream can‟t be trusted,” the grasshopper continued as he jumped off
the leaf onto the grass. “I have to get to the other side,” said Rufus desperately. “Why would you
do that, the only thing on the other side is the farm,” said the grasshopper. “That is exactly where
I want to be,” answered Rufus. “You know animals don‟t usually volunteer to go to the farm,”
said the grasshopper.

Rufus explained to him what had happened to his family. “Now do you understand why I need
to cross the stream?” he asked. “I will assist you on your journey,” said the grasshopper. “You
will?” asked Rufus surprised. “Yes, you are a brave mouse and I admire that.” “How will you
help us?” asked Anna as she reached Rufus and the grasshopper. “I travel the stream all the time.
All you will need is a leaf and a few twigs for steering purposes,” said the grasshopper
confidently. “Wait a minute; you want us to cross the stream on a leaf?” asked Pete. “Yes it can
work. I saw him do it,” said Rufus. “No way,” said Pete, “this time count me out,” he continued.
“Come on Pete, if the grasshopper can do it, why can‟t we?” asked Anna. “Because we are mice,
we drink water, but we don‟t cross it,” said Pete. “Fine you can stay Pete, but I am going with
Rufus,” said Anna.

“Now that that has been settled, let us find you what you need to make the crossing,” said the
grasshopper. Close to where they were standing, the grasshopper saw a palm tree leaf that had
recently fallen from a branch. “That is perfect,” said the grasshopper. “Now grab a few twigs
over there and place it on the leaf,” he continued. The two mice moved quickly to gather the
twigs. “Now we have to pull the leaf towards the stream,” said the grasshopper. “It‟s a bit
heavy,” said Anna. “Pete, if you don‟t mind, your assistance would be appreciated,” said the
grasshopper.Pete grabbed the leaf and helped them move it closer to the water. “This is absurd,”
he grumbled. Anna, Rufus and the grasshopper climbed on the leaf. “Pete, a little push please,”
said the grasshopper. He gave them a push and the leaf moved on to the water.

“Good bye, Pete, we‟ll see you soon,” said Anna. Pete looked at the leaf as it started to move. He
watched Anna and Rufus wave at him. He closed his eyes and sprinted. He jumped and landed
on the leaf. The others looked at him astonished, but all he said was, “just hand me a twig
already,” and then started to paddle.