GIANT FRIENDS--Good News Chapter 8

                                         Good News (for old and new friends.)

Chapter 8


Zenix came inside the house for a welcome cup of tea after filling in the burrow made by Victor.

Shoebill admired the job. “Well, I’m impressed with the great job you’ve done, Zenix. I can hardly see where Victor’s burrow was now,"

“Thank you, my friend.”

Later that day, Shoebill flew down to the markets; but first, he settled by the lagoon to check on Victor. Victor was easy to find, because the large brown mound that was snoring noisily soon drew his attention. Satisfied that his friend was comfortable, he flew on to continue his shopping.

Later, he reported to Zenix, “Our friend has built himself a larger new burrow not far from the lagoon.”

 “I’m pleased,” said Zenix, “that should be a nice cool place to live.”

 Just as Shoebill was clearing away the dishes, there was a knock at the door.

When it was opened, there stood Komodo and Komini. They were smiling broadly and holding hands, just like a young couple who love each other.

“Welcome. Welcome, great friends. It’s wonderful to see you both. We hardly ever see you these days.” said Zenix.

“We have great news, and we want you two to be the first to know.”

“What? What? Sit down and tell us,” Zenix and Shoebill chorused in excitement.

“We are going to have a baby. Our son will be here in six months.”

Both Zenix and Shoebill were taken by surprise.

“Oooh, oooh,” Zenix finally spoke.

“A son? Oh, Congratulations! How exciting. How thrilling!” Shoebill added.

“But...but... how do you know it’s going to be a boy? It’s wonderful news; but mightn’t it be a girl??” Zenix was puzzled.

Komodo waved away his doubts. “Aah, women know these thing’s, Zenix. Komini can tell it’s a boy.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“But the most exciting news of all is what we are going to call him,” Komini added. “He’s going to be called King Arthur.”

“King Arthur??” The bird and the man answered in unison.

“Yes, of course, ‘King Arthur,’ replied Komini. “Komidi was studying King Arthur and the Knights of the round table in her university studies to be a teacher when she gave birth to little Arthur. So we are going to call our baby King Arthur in honour of little Arthur. What do you think?”

Shoebill was quicker to answer this time. “It’s a wonderful name – a really wonderful name,  Komini. And it does little Arthur proud.”

“Oh yes indeed, it does. I congratulate you both and I think you have chosen a very wise name for your expected son.” Zenix added.

And then they all sat down to share glasses of spring water to celebrate.