The Rescue

Rufus, “I can’t expect you to put your lives in danger for my family.” “But what about your life, Rufus?” asked Anna. “She is right you know, you stand a better chance with the two of us by your side,” said Pete. Anna looked at Pete in amazement. Rufus wanted to disagree, but then he remembered the words of the sparrow. “You are right,” he answered, “this is a journey I can’t take on alone.” “Since that has been settled, shall we get going? The stream is still miles away,” said Anna as she started walking.

  The wall of the farm became visible as they reached the stream. We are so close, now to find a way across, thought Rufus as he walked towards the water. “Where are you going, Rufus? We can’t swim remember it’s not something mice do,” he heard Pete shout from behind. “He is right, there is no way we can cross,” said Anna in agreement. “We must find a way! We can’t give up now,” said Rufus determined. He looked at the stream and walked to where the water reached the grass. He lifted his foot to place it in the water. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he heard. On the water, close to the grass, he saw a grasshopper on a leaf. “The stream can’t be trusted,” the grasshopper continued as he jumped off the leaf onto the grass. “I have to get to the other side,” said Rufus desperately.

  “Why would you do that, the only thing on the other side is the farm,” said the grasshopper. “That is exactly where I want to be,” answered Rufus. “You know animals don’t usually volunteer to go to the farm,” said the grasshopper. Rufus explained to him what had happened to his family. “Now do you understand why I need to cross the stream?” he asked. “I will assist you on your journey,” said the grasshopper. “You will?” asked Rufus surprised. “Yes, you are a brave mouse and I admire that.” “How will you help us?” asked Anna as she reached Rufus and the grasshopper. “I travel the stream all the time. All you will need is a leaf and a few twigs for steering purposes,” said the grasshopper confidently. “Wait a minute; you want us to cross the stream on a leaf?” asked Pete. “Yes it can work. I saw him do it,” said Rufus. “No way,” said Pete, “this time count me out,” he continued. “Come on Pete, if the grasshopper can do it, why can’t we?” asked Anna. “Because we are mice, we drink water, but we don’t cross it,” said Pete. “Fine you can stay Pete, but I am going with Rufus,” said Anna. “Now that that has been settled, let us find you what you need to make the crossing,” said the grasshopper.

  Close to where they were standing, the grasshopper saw a palm tree leaf that had recently fallen from a branch. “That is perfect,” said the grasshopper. “Now grab a few twigs over there and place it on the leaf,” he continued. The two mice moved quickly to gather the twigs. “Now we have to pull the leaf towards the stream,” said the grasshopper. “It’s a bit heavy,” said Anna. “Pete, if you don’t mind, your assistance would be appreciated,” said the grasshopper. Pete grabbed the leaf and helped them move it closer to the water. “This is absurd,” he grumbled. Anna, Rufus and the grasshopper climbed on the leaf. “Pete, a little push please,” said the grasshopper. He gave them a push and the leaf moved on to the water. “Good bye, Pete, we’ll see you soon,” said Anna. Pete looked at the leaf as it started to move. He watched Anna and Rufus wave at him. He closed his eyes and sprinted. He jumped and landed on the leaf. The others looked at him astonished, but all he said was, “just hand me a twig already,” and then started to paddle.

  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.

  “Rufus you have reached your destination. Follow me and I will take you to a gap in the wall which will allow you to enter the farm unnoticed,” said the grasshopper.

  “Anna will you be able to continue?” asked Rufus. “Yes, I am feeling better,” she replied. Rufus and Pete helped Anna to get on her feet and together they walked towards the gap in the wall. “Look! I can see the white building,” said Pete as he peeped through the gap. “You’re right, it’s not that far,” said Anna and she crawled through the gap. Pete followed her. “Grasshopper will you be coming with us?” asked Rufus. “Unfortunately not, this is where I leave you my friends,” said the grasshopper. “Thank you, Grasshopper,” said Rufus. “It was my pleasure and I wish you well on your journey,” he replied and hopped off. Rufus then crawled through the gap in the wall.

  On the other side Pete and Anna were waiting for him. “Look Rufus it’s the white building,” said Anna. “We should get a closer look,” he replied. Pete and Anna nodded in agreement. The three mice ran towards the building. Rufus could see their destination getting closer and he couldn’t help but smile. “Wait!” said Pete out loud. They all stopped suddenly. “What?” Anna asked. “The door knob moved,” answered Pete. “Let’s be safe and hide behind that crate,” said Rufus. Safely behind the crate they saw the door open and it revealed a human. “That must be the farmer,??
? whispered Rufus. They watched him lock the door. “Look…!” whispered Anna frightened. Right behind him was a white, fat furry cat. “A cat!” Pete panicked. “Keep your voice down. Do you want him to hear us?” said Anna firmly. The cat and farmer walked to a tractor parked outside the white building. The farmer climbed on the tractor, but the cat stopped suddenly. It sniffed the air and started moving towards the crate. The three mice stood dead still, not a breath left their nostrils. The cat was coming closer.

  The tractor’s engine suddenly started. The cat stopped, turned around and followed the farmer onto the tractor. A sigh of relief came from behind the crate. “That was really close!” said Anna. “Thank goodness it got distracted, otherwise we would have been mice pudding,” said Pete. “The coast is clear, we can go to the building now,” said Rufus. When they reached the door they saw a tiny door at the bottom. “That’s perfect, we can fit through it. Pete, will you keep watch while we search inside?” asked Rufus. “Sure thing,” answered Pete.

  Anna