QUICK READ
Tamara finds a friend
RACHNA CHHABRIA
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All the animals in the jungle were excited about the contest. All the animals that is…except Tamara, the squirrel.
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"Certainly I can whip up a lot of things in one day, " said Winnie excitedly.
...And with some wild flowers Winnie did!
There was excitement in the jungle. The “Beautiful Baby Contest” was just a day away. Mothers and fathers fussed over their little ones. Even the naughty baby monkeys were quiet. Everyone wanted to look their best for the contest.
Tamara, the baby squirrel, watched sadly from her branch. There was no sign of her parents. They had just disappeared, leaving Tamara all alone in the jungle. Everyone in the jungle was protective and they took care of her. But, with the “Beautiful Baby Contest” round the corner everyone had forgotten about her. For the first time in her young life, Tamara felt lonely. She missed her mother. Tamara wanted to participate, but with no one to help her it was not possible.
A chance
Tamara’s loneliness hadn’t gone unnoticed. There was a pair of wise and old eyes watching the baby squirrel. “Hi Tamara, aren’t you going to participate in the contest?” Winnie, the old bear, asked.
“No,” said Tamara.
“Why?” Winnie asked. “You are pretty enough to win this contest.”
“My mother has left me. I have no one to help me,” Tamara replied.
“I can help you. Like you, I too am alone in the jungle.”
Tamara was aware that Winnie had been deserted by her husband and children. But Winnie was independent, tough, and very helpful.
“Will you?” Tamara asked eagerly. “Of course,” said Winnie. “Actually I was feeling bad that none of my cubs is with me. I envy the other mothers their excitement and preparation.”
“Do we have the time to make something beautiful?” Tamara asked.
“Certainly, I can whip up a lot of things in one day,” said Winnie excitedly. They went to a spot where plenty of wild flowers grew. Plucking them, Winnie deftly wove colourful bows. She then attached the bows with a long strand of grass. Winnie sprinkled water on them to keep them fresh. Then, both bear and squirrel went to sleep.
The next morning Winnie bathed Tamara. The string of bows was wrapped around Tamara’s long bushy tail. Together the two moved into the centre where the other mothers and children had gathered.
Envious looks were cast their way. Tamara looked like a princess and smelt like one too. Tamara joined the others. Beside her beautiful and colourful string of bows, the other ornaments looked pale.
The three judges: a lion, a hippopotamus, and an elephant after heavy discussion declared Tamara the winner. A proud Winnie watched as a crown of seeds was placed over Tamara’s small head.
A happy Tamara hugged Winnie.
“Thank you,” whispered Winnie. “I have a beautiful friend.”
“And I have a clever friend,” giggled Tamara.
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