A Bad Day For A Good

                                                      Ama Abraham

Frankie lived in the forest outside the city. His best friend James lived next door.

"Hey, James!" called Frankie, climbing out of his den.

"Ye-es, Frankie," said James, taking his time.

"Why don’t we go into the city today?" Frankie suggested. "I’m BORED with insect pie."

"Really? It’s one of my favourites," said James. "Anyway, we can’t go now, it’s still light. We’ll be seen – by THEM."

Frankie shook his head and folded his newspaper.  

"Erm look," said James and pointed at the back page.

Dangerous Fox Destroys Price-Winning Garden. Keep these awful creatures out!  

"If only humans knew foxes can be kind, like you and me," Frankie said. He paced up and down wondering what to do.

"I’ve got an idea," he said finally. "I’m going to show the humans that foxes can be good" and started marching towards the city.

He got more and more nervous as he passed a few Foxes Keep Out! signs along the way, but they didn’t stop him.  

When Frankie got to the city, he saw a group of school children at the traffic lights. This is my chance, he thought. "Wait, children, don’t cross yet!" he cried, but before he could help them, they all ran off.

Never mind, he told himself, there will be someone else I can help.

Next, he noticed a car zooming towards an elderly man on the zebra crossing.  

"Sir, WATCH OUT!"  

The man shrieked "AARGH!" then Frankie screeched "AIIEEE" just as the man hobbled to safety, shaking his stick wildly.  

"This is going to be harder than I thought," said Frankie. His belly grumbling as he padded along the pavement.

Just then he heard a scream "AAAHH!" and watched a buggy roll dangerously past. "Help! Please! My baby!" a woman cried out. The wheels turning faster and faster.

Frankie sprang into action, chasing after the runaway baby. I know what to do, thought Frankie, leaping over the buggy.  

"Yay! I saved the baby" said Frankie twirling happily. But when the mother caught up with them, she screamed again.  

"Help! A fox is trying to hurt my baby!"

Scared, Frankie ran and looked for somewhere to hide. "Maybe it’s time to give up and go home," he said sadly. Frankie sniffed, there was food nearby, it’s a restaurant. But he could smell something else - smoke and OH NO, he could see flames. The restaurant is on FIRE! Frankie howled and screeched until all the people came out.  

"What’s that awful noise?" someone asked.

"Look! Over there," said another. Hurry, call the fire brigade someone else said.

"I thought the fox was just being noisy."

"Well, we need to give him thanks," said the owner "for warning us."

And so, they did in the best possible way with a delicious feast of spaghetti bolognese and cherry cake. Munch, munch, gobble, gobble.

Back in the forest, Frankie shared his treats with James."No more for me" said Frankie. "What I really want...... is a slice of insect pie."