Page 9 - My FlipBook

The grasshopper hopped to the end of the leaf and placed himself on the stem. He was watching
the stream very closely guiding them with each stroke. They were almost halfway across the
stream Rufus realized as he paddled.“Don‟t be unnerved, but the water looks like it is becoming
a bit more rocky,” he heard the grasshopper. “What do you mean?” asked Rufus, but then he felt
a bump. They almost lost their balance.“Steady now just keep on rowing, we are almost on the
other side,” said the grasshopper.The next knock of water was much more powerful. Anna lost
her balance and fell into the stream. “Anna!” they shouted simultaneously. Rufus‟s first instinct
was to jump after her, but Pete stopped him. “Not a good idea Rufus,” said Pete holding his arm
tightly. The grasshopper moved to the side where Anna was last seen. He looked into the water,
but there was no sign of her.

“Boys I need you to focus grab your twigs and keep on steering or we will all find ourselves
sharing Anna‟s fate,” he commanded. “We can‟t just leave her,” said Rufus concerned. “I know
Rufus, but there is nothing we can do, we can‟t swim. We will have to wait and see, but for now
the grasshopper is right, we have to keep on steering,” said Pete calmly. Reluctantly Rufus took
his twig, his eyes still fixed on the spot were Anna was last seen, but there was no movement
other than the current.
Steering the leaf had become more difficult without Anna, but they kept on. “Faster boys we are
going off our course,” shouted the grasshopper panicked. Rufus noticed something in the corner
of his eye. He realized it was Anna appearing on the surface of the water. “Look its Anna!” he
shouted excitedly. She was lying flat on her back floating on the water.“How can that be?” asked
Pete. Then they saw a grey surface underneath her. “It‟s the stream fish,” shouted the
grasshopper.“I don‟t think she is breathing,” said Rufus. He threw his twig down and moved
towards her. “What are you doing?” he heard the grasshopper shout as the leaf tilted. Rufus lost
his balance and rolled in the other direction. He was reaching the edge of the leaf, but then the
leaf balanced itself and started moving forward. Pete and Rufus look at each other confused, but
then the grasshopper shouted, “It is another stream fish. You are a blessing dear one!”
The fish took them to the shore. Rufus jumped off the leaf as soon as they were close to dry land
and ran on all four feet to Anna. The fish moved its body sideways and Anna slid from its back
on to the grass. Rufus watched as the fish moved backwards, its body now slightly in the water.
Anna was now lying on her side, her little body still motionless. He couldn‟t help himself, he
was suddenly consumed with sadness. He felt an arm on his shoulder. “All is not lost yet Rufus,
look closely,” said Pete. He noticed she was still breathing. Suddenly Anna coughed and released
water. “She‟s alive!” the grasshopper shouted. Anna opened her eyes. “Anna, you scared us,”
Rufus said feeling relieved. “What happened?” she asked. “The stream fish saved our lives,” said
the grasshopper. “What can we do to thank you?” asked the grasshopper turning his focus back
to the two fish. “There is no need. We heard about the mouse and his journey when he spoke to
you on the other side of the stream. We are grateful that we could assist you, but it is time for us
to return to the water. Goodbye and good luck,” said the fish and then they disappeared under the
water.