TOBOGGANING

“There he goes again…” Callum thought to himself as Jonty went past him for the millionth time that morning. “… ‘Meet Jonty the penguin who loves to show-off and will do just about anythingyou’re your attention.” said Callum sarcastically. If at all Jonty loved anything , it was tobogganing – he would rest on his  belly and glide across, pushing with his legs and fins. But off late Jonty seemed to be quite distracted and wanted to wander alone. “He didn’t snap back at me…” muttered Callum. “That is so not like him!” said Josh. “Maybe he’s in love.” joked Callum. “Let’s go mate and find out what’s bothering him.” suggested Tom the wiser penguin. So the three friends decided to follow Jonty.

It was the thick of winter. Following their friends would mean that the three penguins strayed away from their area. But for them the risk of straying away was worth the effort. Besides, if Jonty needed their help then they were more than up for it! Soon their pursuit led them to a secluded strip off the shore. Jonty stopped. Seeing this the Josh, Callum and Tom stopped as well. Jonty stood up and began walking into the water. He picked up a small fish in his beak and began jumping from rock to rock and soon disappeared behind them. The three penguins kept a close watch. As soon as Jonty began moving further away, they began following Jonty and hid behind a rock at a distance. For a while nothing happened. “Let’s edge further on.” suggested Tom. As they came to a small clearing Callum spotted Jonty. It was unbelievable…. “Are you bantering me…” Josh gasped as the other three peered over.

Jonty was helping a tiny wounded sea-otter pup. The little pup must’ve been chased by a predator. It saw Jonty and came yelping up to his big feathery feet. The pup snuggled into the feathers. Jonty did not move. He stood absolutely still. The three friends were lost for words. It was as if they were looking at someone else – not their annoying snappy, hoity and show-off friend… They now saw a very caring, loving fellow. A brave-heart who wanted to protect another injured soul. As the three stood staring at the picture of Jonty and the injured otter-pup they realised that the light began to fade and the mean cold Antarctic winds began roaring. The fading light cast the shadow of a mean cold night. In the fast-fading light as the winds began howling Tom said, “Jonty needs our help chappies, let’s go.” Without another thought or word, the three friends left their hiding place and waddled swiftly towards Jonty. Seeing his friends rushing towards him Jonty felt a surge of strength. The three friends encircled Jonty creating a warm envelope around him and the little pup. That night the winds were their cruellest but none moved. Jonty stood his ground while his friends enveloped him with their warmth. Thus they stood, all night long. Soon the bitter cold night gave way to the light of dawn.

Once the wind speed dropped the four penguins slowly lead the little pup to a raft of otters. As the little pup paddled into it’s group Jonty felt his throat go dry. “I wasn’t joking. Jonty really is in love.” said Callum. “Jonty, let’s go home mate.” said Josh. “Sure. Let’s toboganny back. I’m really awesome at it!” beamed Jonty falling on his belly.

Seeing him lead the rest Callum thought to himself, “Love truly makes you do the unbelievable!”

The other penguins were really happy that their friend was finally coming back home.  

Vaijayanthi