Short Stories

A crocodile was soaking up the sun by the riverbank.

A young calf trotted over from a short distance away, calling out, "Brother, brother, could you help me fetch something from the water? I'm not much of a swimmer."

The crocodile lazily lifted an eyelid to glance at the newcomer.

"I am a crocodile."

"Um... So what if you're a crocodile? Is that some kind of fish that can't swim?"

"Actually, I'm quite adept at swimming."

"Then could you help me look for it? It fell into the deep water, and it would take someone who's a good swimmer to retrieve it."

"Well, in that case, I suppose I am the right... Hey! I'm a crocodile! I can't just dive into the water to fetch something for a cow!"

"Why can't a crocodile help a cow? Have we cows done something to offend you?"

"No, not really... If you put it that way, then..." The crocodile stammered.

"What then?"

"Ah... nothing... In short, I'm not going to fetch anything for you! I'm a crocodile, after all! Haven't you heard of us?"

The calf shook its head.

"I've not been around for long, so there's a lot I don't know yet. Are you very fierce?"

"Cows generally are quite afraid of me."

"I don't believe it. My mother wouldn't be scared of you."

"Call your mother over, and I'll show you how terrifying I can be."

"Are you daring enough to call her?"

"What's there to fear?"

The calf smiled cheerfully.

"Then go ahead and dive in. The very thing I wanted you to help me find is my mother. She looks a lot like me, you'll recognize her instantly."

The crocodile paused for a moment.

"Your mother, how could she be in the water?"

"We were drinking water nearby when a dark shadow suddenly emerged from the water, and then my mother disappeared beneath the surface. I finally found someone who seems to be able to swim, and yet you're still unwilling to help."

The calf appeared quite aggrieved.

"Humph! I didn't plan on helping you, but I'll show you how terrified your mother will be when she sees me. Just you wait."

With that, the crocodile slid into the water, flicked its tail a few times, and vanished beneath the waves.

The calf waited on the bank, and after a long wait, the crocodile returned, but without the mother.

"Did you find my mother?"

"Ah, I found her," the crocodile said. "Your mother is quite formidable; she wasn't scared when she saw me. She has some tasks to attend to and asked me to tell you not to wait. Go home first. She won't be back for a very long time. Be good, she said she'll bring you some delicious, tender grass when she comes back."

"I see. Thank you very much, then," the calf said sincerely, turning to leave.

"Hey! Wait!" the crocodile called out. "You've talked to me so much today, it's been quite bothersome. If you see me by the river again, even if it looks like me, stay far away! I don't want to see you again. Consider it my payment for helping you."

The crocodile opened its mouth wide, looking menacing.