Bluebell SSS Prompt No. 6 ~ The Dog And The Elephant
At dusk , with a few stars scattered in the sky , Scotty and Ernie set off for home . As usual , it had been a fun-filled day . They walked in silence , at a leisurely pace , side by side , content to enjoy the peaceful hour .
"Say Ernie , you seem to be in quite a hurry ," Scotty's little legs battled to keep up .
'Well , it's getting late , that's all ," Ernie appeared impatient . He was in a hurry to get back before total darkness enveloped the countryside .
"Why the hurry ? You got something important going on ? " Scotty winked . He WAS Ernie's closest friend , after all …
"As a matter of fact … yes , I do . But I can't tell you . You wouldn't understand , you're just a little dog !"
Scotty's face fell ! Ernie was mean to say that to him . They were best friends and best friends supported each other . Best friends also shared secrets !
In the far distance , Ernie could see the last slice of the sun , as it disappeared on the horizon .
"Aaaah , what a sight for sore eyes ," he sighed .
"What is it ? I can't see …" Scotty jumped up and down with excitement .
"It's obvious you won't be able to see . I am big , tall , strong …." he stopped briefly ," and very important too !" He extended his trunk , pride written all over his face . "You are a small , silly dog ," he looked down at Scotty .
"But my mom says that size doesn't matter . It's what is in your heart that counts ! So there !" Scotty huffed and puffed .
"How can size not matter ?" Ernie laughed . "If somebody attacked us and we called out for help , what do you think will happen ? My voice is big and strong !" He let out a deep trumpet which echoed and was lost in the hills . Scotty shivered . Maybe Ernie was right.
"Now you try ," he turned to the dog . All Scotty could manage was a small yapping sound that was lost in the roaring trumpet that Ernie emitted .
Later that evening , Scotty looked very sad . He didn't even finish his supper .
"What's the matter ?" his mom was concerned .
"Is it true that I am small and silly ?"
"Who told you that ?"
"—– and unimportant —–" it tumbled out .
His mother shook her head and looked at him gently .
"—– with a small heart —–" a single tear rolled down .
"Remember , the physical size of your heart doesn't matter , it's what's inside that is important . If you have lots of love , then you have a "big heart" , she coaxed .
"But Ernie is big , strong , important …" he finished and sat down , defeated .
Just then , young Marty walked onto the front porch . His eyes lit up . He ran to Scotty , arms outstretched .
"Am I happy to see you ! My favourite animal in the whole wide world !" He hugged the dog close to him . Scotty snuggled up . His mum winked at him .
He remembered her words : a dog is a boy's best friend !
Check out the Bluebell Short Story Slam prompt at : http://bluebellbooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/short-story-slam-week-6-childrens.html
A wonderful story with a great message. Very vivid writing. I could see the illustrations that would accompany the story.
Thanks for the kind words … do you draw/paint ? Would love to see the accompanying illustrations …
Wonderful story I loved it 🙂
Thank you Jeanie 🙂
Size matters. Marty would never carry Ernie around. A big heart matters. A big mouth matters. A big imagination matters. Scotty was just the right size for Marty and if he wanted to be a gymnist and he had talent, he could be. Ernie would not be the best candidate to be an astronaut, a coal miner, or race car driver.
I suppose that the above-mentioned things do matter , depending on the scenario/context and this particular context is childrens’ literature … thanks Dan .
Oh, I liked the happy ending. : )
Thanks thingy 🙂
I hope to read this in a book sometime, correction: will read it to my son
Thank you Vinod … you are very kind to say so !
Awww I loved that touching ending and you tackled imporant issues too, bullying can really be devastating to a child's self-esteem. Fantastic job!
Thanks Mindlovemisery … bullying is one of the major issues amongst the kids today , it can really shatter a child’s self-esteem and needs serious attention !
size of hear does not matter, love the line, very well plotted story.
Thanks Ji … it’s not about physical size/stature but the amount of love one is capable of showing !
It's what's inside that is important..Lovely Story
♥ ஆ ~.^
Thanks Helena ! 🙂
Such a good story, the issue of friends and not friends. Loved it!
It’s a very important issue amongst growing kids … thanks Ina !
My kiddos will surely hear this story from me and the lessons therein. Made me wonder how some seemingly big creations can be so small 😉
Thanks bendedspoon … 🙂
a very entertaining story!
Glad you found it entertaining A.B. !
Lovely story! This would be great to read to young children and discuss to address issues of teasing and name calling.
I agree that the teasing/name calling issues need to be addressed since they are part and parcel of the bullying problem . Thanks for your contribution !
Sweet and sad story with a wonderful ending! 🙂
Thanks for your kind comments ; your creative piece was really amazing … with such a universal appeal !
Lovely …really enjoyed reading this and I have a Little dog who couldn't be loved more …..thank you for sharing
You are so welcome … thank you for the appreciation !
great story, with a wonderful ending. thanks for sharing.
Thanks for popping in and leaving a comment .
hahaaha! loved ur story, thanks :))
Thanks so much ! 🙂
What a sweet story and a valuable lesson. Mom is right–it's what's inside our hearts that matter.
Gayle
Yes , a “big heart” filled with love/compassion is much more significant than a “big body” … thanks for the comment !