GIANT FRIENDS Chapter 10 A Hard Lesson Learned

Chapter 10   A Hard Lesson Learned

Zenix settled into his new life as an entertainer and chaperone to the children. He loved having them around and built an extension to the maze and other interesting climbing equipment. He even created a wooden horse that walked.

One morning, however, he did not come down for breakfast. Shoebill found him still in bed with a grave stomach upset and a temperature above normal.

"You're not young any more, Zenix, and I think you should go to see Master Wing Wong, The Chinese dragon. He has loads of wisdom and is famous for his great medical insights.

"Maybe when I feel better," replied Zenix.


        
 But by mid afternoon, when sharp pains increased in his stomach, he decided he urgently needed help.

Holding his hand firmly over his stomach, and hesitating at the door of Wing Wong's cave, he heard a deep voice, "Step forward if you have the courage," the voice said.

Later, Zenix was excited when he returned to Shoebill at the mansion. "That dragon knows so much! You wouldn't believe the things he could tell about me!"

"He knew you'd been drinking alcohol?" ventured Shoebill.

"Yes yes yes – but never mind that – he knows how I can get well."

"A diet?"

"Oh, Shoebill – don't be tiresome! Yes – if you must know – he said if I eat and drink the right things I will get better. But Shoebil, look at my face. Do you see anything?"

"You do look a little flushed – but you know – alcohol –"

"No no no – look closely – his hot breath scorched my face!"

"Well, I don't suppose you'll be wanting to go back in a hurry?"

"Never!"

"Then we'll be eating healthier in the future? And we won't be eating rubbish – or drinking alcohol?"

"No! Never!"

Zenix had nasty tasting medicine to take as well, to help his liver recover, and Shoebill never let him forget a dose.

Three months later, as the two friends sat in the cool evening enjoying a sparkling fresh mineral water, Zenix remarked, "I've never felt so well in my whole life, Shoebill. That Master Wing Wong really knew what I had to do to make myself well again, and it's thanks to you, my good friend, that I now feel so fantastic."

"I congratulate you, Sir, on your great wisdom."
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THE END