The Vanishing Pond

Once upon a time in a narrow valley there was a small pond. All the valley animals would go there for a drink or for a swim. The pond was peaceful and quiet until one day, as the animals splashed around, a hare noticed that there was less water in the pond than before.

“Can I believe my own eyes?” He asked his fellow animals. “Or am I dreaming? The pond certainly looks smaller now” To make sure he wasn’t dreaming, he took a dive into the water, so that it would wake him up.

“You know, I believe you’re right,” said the wise old turtle, who was sitting on the shore of the pond. “But no wonder, it hasn’t rained for several weeks now. The dry season is upon us, I fear. The longer it goes on, the less water there is in the pond.”

“No way!” the hare exclaimed, swimming toward the turtle. “Where will we play if the pond goes dry? And what will we drink?”

“I’m afraid the weather won’t listen to anyone, my friend. It’s the dry season coming. Soon, our pond will dry up in the hot sun.” The news bothered the other animals so they also came closer to listen to the wise turtle. “You see,” he continued, “When it is hot, tiny, almost invisible droplets of water rise from the pond to the sky. There will turn into little clouds of vapour and disappear. And I’m sorry to say that there’s nothing we can do to stop it.”

Soon sadness fell over the valley. The rain still hadn’t come and before long the pond completely dried up. Thirst and drought came upon the animals. The scorching sun dried out the whole valley. Every day the animals gathered at the pond.…