The Art of Friendship (Continued)


  Naturally, no butter-like substance dripped out of Rabbit's belly; naturally, the pan began to burn Rabbit's bottom; naturally, the heat was extremely painful; and, naturally, Rabbit pretended that it didn't hurt. Trying to hold a quivering smile, he said, "I cant' understand this.  It usually works for me every time!"  But soon, beads of sweat dripped down Rabbit's forehead and his bottom started smoking.  As the pain intensified, he gave up the pretense of a smile and screamed, "OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!"  He hopped out of the pan, dashed to the sink, and sat down in a basin of cool water: TSSSSSSSSSsssssssssss.


      Holding his scorched haunches, Rabbit hobbled over to Termite and, between pangs of pain, said, "I just can't believe it!  This is the very first time in my life that butter has not dripped out of my belly when I sat on the hot frying pan."  His words were not a lie since it was, indeed, the very first time Rabbit had sat on the hot frying pan.  Then Rabbit sheepishly asked, "Would you mind, uh, sitting on the frying pan for few seconds so I can cook the meal?" Termite politely obliged, Rabbit cooked the meal, and the friends ate in silence - for Rabbit was sulking.

      After Termite left, Rabbit decided that he didn't need friends like her any longer.  With much pomp and ceremony - and a dark ring around his bottom - he declared the end of their friendship to the rest of the animals.  He concluded, "After all, Termite is just too embarrassing for an animal of my taste and bearing to be friends with."  But, all the animals laughed at Rabbit, for they could plainly see that it was he who "got burnt" and that he was the butt of the joke.

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