ROO WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER JOEYS.
You see, he could never jump as high as Sasha and he could never play kangaroo games like Felix could.
Poor Roo was crippled. There was only one thing that he was good at: telling stories. He could make any story come to life, as long as you told him the storyline. He was obviously the best storyteller in his group.
But jealous Raz (why would he be jealous?) wanted to tell even better stories than Roo. And so one day, he brought his plan into action, and succeeded.
After Raz told his story at sundown, many kangaroos came and congratulated him for a great story. Some even said he was the best storyteller ever.
Roo was crushed. Everyone had loved his stories! And now that Raz had taken that away, Roo could do nothing but sleep.
* * *
The next morning, Roo woke up last. Everyone else was busy doing something except for him. A young joey came up to him and said, “Why aren't you don't anything, you lazy lump?”
Roo was badly offended. All of the kangaroos in his group should know that he couldn't work much. And if they didn't know, Roo was too embarrassed to explain his situation.
“Go run along, will you?” he begged the joey. But he had already gone.
* * *
During story circle time later that day, Roo did not offer to tell a story. Once again, Raz had taken this opportunity and hogged the spotlight.
Of course, everyone had once again loved the story.
Roo had lumbered away to bed, before the story ended. He turned around one more time, seeing every single kangaroo absorbed in Raz's story.
Roo glanced at Raz. His eyes had a dark shimmer in it, which seemed to laugh with hatred.
Roo scampered to a grassy area and cried. He was so helpless, and nobody wanted him.
Soon, his mother came and sat next to him. “What's wrong, my sweet Roo?” she asked in a soothing voice.
Suddenly all of Roo's worries went away and he was able to talk smoothly with his mother.
“Everyone hates me,” Roo started. “And ever since Raz took over story circle time, everyone probably thinks I'm just a scrap of fur.”
Roo's mother's eyes were blank. “They really treat you like that?” she wondered.
Roo nodded.
Roo's mother shook her head sadly. Then her eyes brightened up. “Roo, listen to me,” she demanded. Then her voice got soft again. “Roo, you are special,” She paused. “You're special to me, and I will always love you.”
Roo felt a sudden surge of joy and happiness. He snuggled against his mother's warm fur. “i love you too,” he exclaimed and drifted off into sleep.
* * *
Early the next morning, Roo heard an unusual growl. He hopped up and looked around. Roo couldn't see anything, but he felt that something was wrong. He glimpsed around one more time. Suddenly, a huge dingo came dashing towards him
Roo was frozen with fear. What was he going to do?
But before Roo could think about anything, he jumped as far as his legs would take him. The dingo raced after him.
Roo had the dingo chase after him for a very long time.
After a while, the dingo disappeared. Roo traced back his footsteps and soon found the dingo getting a drink at the watering hole.
Roo knew what he would do, but it might cost him his life.
But before Roo could stop himself, he was stalking behind the dingo, ever so quietly.
Then, at the right exact moment, Roo pounced himself onto the dingo. The dingo immediately turned around but was pushed into the water seconds later. He splashed and paddled, but he could not swim.
“Please,” he called to Roo. “Please help me!”
Roo challenged him. “As long as you and your other dingo friends promise never to set foot on kangaroo territory again!”
“I promise!” the dingo cried as he spat out a mouthful of water.
So Roo helped the dingo out of the treacherous water.
“Thanks,” he said, licking his soaking fur.
Roo nodded his head “No problem!” he explained. “Now get out of here!”
The dingo solemnly obeyed. He dragged himself back to his friends.
And then Roo realized that he had done a great thing for every kangaroo ever to live.
* * *
When Roo returned home, everyone was awaiting him.
“Hey Roo!” Sasha praised. “I saw you get chased by that dingo this morning. You looked really brave!” Sasha gave Roo a nice smile as Felix hopped over. “Yeah, Sasha's right!” he addded.
“Thanks,” Roo replied. Soon everyone was congratulating him.
“Roo, come here,” said Raz. Roo edged closer and closer, afraid Raz might beat him up.
“You saved us,” he said, and for once, it had a hint of kindness in his voice. “Thank you!”
“Roo the Magnificent!” kangaroos hollered. “Roo the Magnificent!”
And from that day forward, Roo was the most honored kangaroo in the group and also the best storyteller ever.
THE END
