The farmyard had become unbearable ever since Sophie and Sultan came to stay.
The latest addition to Mr. Farmer’s new farm was Sophie. Initially there were only sheep. A few days later, came the chickens. And a week later, Pig — a nice, fat jolly fellow who lay around all day and got up only when he had to eat. It
was a good life and the animals got on well. That is, until Sophie turned up.
Sophie was a beautiful brown cow, with lovely big eyes and a mournful cry. The sheep, chickens and pig thought Mr. Farmer liked her best of all. For starters, she was the only one with a name. He spoke to her a lot and walked with her to the field. Sophie was proud and didn’t talk to the other animals. If they tried to talk to her, she tossed her head and swung her tail and tip-toed away pretending she hadn’t heard a word.
“We will have to teach Sophie a lesson,” muttered Pig. The others agreed.
Solution arrived the next day. A handsome black horse, called Sultan — with a shiny black coat, a long soft mane and a flowing tail. His step was regal and he held his head high. Sophie was put out, for now it was always ‘Sultan this’ and ‘Sultan that’. And Mr. Farmer was forever feeding him sugar cubes. Now, it was a farm hand who took Sophie to the field. Pig, sheep and chickens couldn’t help but giggle at the turn of events! But all the same, Sophie still didn’t deem it fit to talk to pig, chickens and sheep. And they, of course didn’t dare make conversation with Sultan.
“Life is unbearable,” said sheep.
“I don’t like Sophie and Sultan’s superior attitude. It’s as if we don’t exist. Wish we could teach them a lesson,” said pig.
“Well Sophie has learnt her lesson, if you ask me,” said the chickens and they all laughed in agreement.
Bundle of fun
One morning, a tractor drove up. A man jumped out and carried a tiny bundle into the farmhouse.
“Wonder what it is?” said pig, in his corner, too lazy to get up.
“I’ll find out, I’ll find out,” chorused the chickens enthusiastically as they trooped off. They came back, screeching and shouting. “It’s a big ball of fur. It’s round and cute and laughs a lot.”
Just then, Mr. Farmer came out and put the fur ball down. With a little laugh, the fur ball unrolled and ran towards the animals.
“Oh it’s a puppy!” squealed pig.
Mr. Farmer was thrilled with the fur ball. He was down on his knees, calling “Simba! Simba!” Not once did he look at Sultan or Sophie. Sultan whinnied and Sophie cried out mournfully but Mr. Farmer had eyes only for Simba.
“Hi, I’m Simba. I’m new to the farm, can I be your friend?” he said to pig, sheep and chickens. Simba played with them for a long time, shouting and laughing and they had a good time. Sultan couldn’t believe what had happened. He was no longer the favourite!
Next morning, Sultan stepped out into the yard. He neighed, “Er…hello pig, hello chickens, hello sheep. Have a good day!” They were too shocked to reply.
When Sophie stepped out, she looked at pig, sheep and chickens and smiled coyly, “I hope we can be friends.”
But even before they could reply, Simba came hurtling along with a joyful bark, all ready to play. Sultan and Sophie could only watch — enviously of course!
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