I hope you're having a great week! Today I have a story for you that I wrote yesterday.
Be warned, it is rather peculiar.
The Great Game
By Jemma Tainsh
On a hill covered in scraggly pines, a kangaroo was having an
earnest discussion with his son. The road nearby was mostly clear, the only
occupant being a squashed fox. The trees glowed in the orange light of the
setting sun, and there was an occasional glint of light of a battered mailbox. “Son,”
announced the kangaroo, “The time has finally come for me to tell you of-“ He paused for effect, “-The Great Game!”
Awed by the capitals, his son gazed into his eye, “Wow Dad!”
he exclaimed, “It must be wonderful!”
“It is, son, it is” His misty-eyed father assured him, “all
Joeys learn it as soon as they have left their mothers pouch! I remember when
your grandfather taught it to me!”
“How do we play it dad?” the young Joey asked
enthusiastically
“Well,” replied his father, almost reluctant to hurry the
conversation, “You know the great Cars of the humans? They are majestic beasts
and go by many names”
“Sure I know ‘em Dad”
“What we do is, we go down to the edge of their territory,
The Road, and we watch carefully for Cars; my favourite is the bold Toyota, and
we dash across the Road in front of them!” The kangaroo was practically hopping
from excitement, his son however, was sceptical
“Why do we do that Dad?” he inquired, “Wouldn’t we die?”
“Ah,” said his father, a crafty look in his eye, “But we
don’t, we speed across, swift and hoppy, it feels amazing! Dancing with the
great beast of the Car! Such prestige in the roo community! The Most Important
High Roo has hundreds of Cars under his belt!
“I see…” murmured the Joey thoughtfully, “I suppose it would
be fun!”
“And that’s not even the best part!” squealed the older roo
in delight, “Now listen carefully son, many wallabies died to bring us this
news.”
‘I’m listening Dad!”
“It’s The Country Music
Festival!” His father whispered as enthusiastically as you can whisper
“What does that mean Dad?”
“Why son, have you not learned anything!?” he exclaimed, “The
Country Music Festival is when Cars from all over Australia come to visit our
town! That means plenty of opportunities! Holdens! Toyotas! Mazdas! It’s the
most amazing time of the year!
His father’s excitement began to rub of onto his son, “Wow
Dad! Can we go have a go now!?”
“We sure can!” Hollered the jumping kangaroo, “Look! There’s
one now! I'll show you how it's done!”
Greg drove along the road thinking about his sandwich. Soon
he’d home and able to eat in peace. Something caught his eye. One those blasted
kangaroos. It even had a Joey. Funny, it almost seemed to be pointing at his car. Suddenly the
older kangaroo hopped wildly across the road. “What on earth!?” yelped Greg,
“stupid kangaroo” he muttered, feeling slightly guilty as he hit it. “Oh,
well.” And he went back to thinking about his sandwich.
‘Dang...’ Thought the younger kangaroo, ‘oh well, it happens.
He’ll be much honoured by the community.’
I am absolutely certain kangaroos actually do this.
By for now! Thanks for reading and have a nice week!
