Short Story - Where's Little Croak

Where's Little Croak

by Jerry Mobley

Big Croak wants to go swimming. He asks Little Croak if he wants to go too.

Little Croak replies, "Why, yes I do, thank you."

As they travel down the path to the pond, Big Croak says, "Little Croak, now don't wander off. You might get lost."

"You bet, Dad," replies Little Croak. "You're the boss."

They arrive at the pond and they jump right in the water. Big Croak swims on this back and kicks with his feet. Little Croak likes to dive under water as he thinks this is neat.

Little Croak tires of swimming and says, "I think I'll go for a hop."

Big Croak holds up his hand like a traffic cop.

He says, "Now don't wander off. You said you would stay near."

Little Croak replies, "I won't go far, Dad. You have nothing to fear."

Big Croak is worried as he watches his son hop away. He wonders if there is more he should say.

Little Croak hops and hops until finally he stops. He looked this way and that and then down he sat. "Oh, woe is me," he says as his lips quiver. "I don't know the way home." A chill down his back makes him shiver.

Little Croak turns as someone asks, "Can I help you?"

He sees a turtle who says, "My name is Teddy. Howdy-do."

Little Croak says, "My dad is waiting at the pond. Do you know the way?"

"I surely do," Teddy replies. "Let's get goin'... what ya say?"

They walk as fast as a turtle can go. He knows the way, but he is very slow.

Finally, they arrive back at the pond. Big Croak has his arms crossed and he looks very mad. Little Croak says, "I'm sorry I didn't listen to you." He is very sad.

Big Croak puts his arm around Little Croak and says, "I was worried, but I forgive you, son. Just remember to not do it again."

The End

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Children, obey your parents
in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 NIV