The Tusk Takers

By George

The sun shone brightly on the water-hole, reflecting many colours on the plains. It was beautiful. I had much fun with my father in the hot sun, splashing water all over the place. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves swimming in the open water. Even though we were not alone, it felt as if we were the only two there.

As the sun began to lower on the west horizon, my mother called for us as it was bedtime. My mother thinks the dark is dangerous because of creatures that come to steal our tusks. We call them the tusk takers; we don’t know the reason why they do that awful thing, we just know that they’re dangerous; deadly. When we arrived at home I laid in the shade of a tree with my family, the grassy plains stretching as far as the eye can see; peaceful, calm. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Suddenly, I was awoken by a loud, terrifying blast. Birds squawked; animals fled and I cried for my parents…no reply. I ran and ran, wildly calling for my mum and dad but there was still no reply. I was alone and terrified. I didn’t know what to do or where to go, I just kept running. All I kept thinking about was the tusk takers. I’m hoping that they haven’t harmed my parents.

The sun began to rise, red and shimmering; red for danger. I stared around me; all I could see was vast and open grasslands. I walked on, for many miles it seemed but the night drew nearer and I knew I could not venture any further. Perhaps my mother was right, darkness is dangerous. I found shelter and fell asleep, frightened and grieving.

The sun woke me with a warming touch. I was tremendously hot and thirsty. I got to my feet and looked out into the distance. To my great disbelief I saw a green, blue heat hazed glimmer. Could this be water? Or am I looking at a mirage? I ran towards it, trunk swaying. Even though I was exhausted, I did not stop until I reached my destination.

There was water and trees as I had suspected, but there was also something even better…my family! My heart jumped for joy as I was reunited with my parents. I was so relieved that my parents weren’t harmed. I was greeted with such love and happiness and we plunged into the water-hole together. I felt so elated and I have never been so joyful.