The Surprize

Beyond the edge of the mangrove swamp and a plot of grassland was a most breathtaking pond. It was flanked by neat rows of frangipani trees. Situated on the west of the island, the orange sun set behind the pond's calm green horizon each day. The chirping of sparrows and the shiny clear waters made the pond a heavenly place to relax in. Fishing, in fact, would be the best activity for the environment was peaceful and the waters were home to much marine life.

Unfortunately, something as magnificent as the pond was often exclusive. It belonged to Mr Tan, an old farmer who owned the piece of land right up to the borders of the mangrove swamp. Mr Tan was protective of his pond and put a barbed wire fence around it to stop trespassers from entering it. He had even forbade his own children to go near it.

"Children and nature do not go well. They will dirty the place with litter and their brawling will scare the fish and birds away. No way am I going to let them near it," declared Mr Tan from the first time he set his eyes on the pond.

Thus, for the longest time, no one could enjoy the tranquil surrounding of the pond. Mr Tan himself found the pond too precious to spend time there. He merely patrolled the place from time to time, making sure that no one dared venture into his property.

It was not long before little Peter, an eight-year-old who had just moved to that place, heard about the pond. His curiosity was as great as an elephant and his favorite past time was fishing, The pond was the perfect hideaway for him! Peter had lived beside a pond all his life and such environments were no stranger to him. So one fine morning, Peter grabbed his rod and bait and climbed under the barbed wire fence.

"Hey! How dare you! What're you doing at my pond?" Mr Tan bellowed when he caught sight of Peter in the waters.

In a panic, Peter let go of his rod and ran like lightning, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared. As Mr Tan was getting on in his years and was no match for Peter, he stood guard where Peter's fishing rod was. He was afraid the little rascal might return to get his belongings.

Suddenly, the fishing line jerked and the water near it bubbled. Mr Tan went into the water and tried to make out the creature in the water. Grabbing hold of the rod, he drew the line in with all his might. The task was arduous as the creature fought to break free. Mr Tan's delight became horror when the big 'fish' which he thought had caught the bait turned out to be a gigantic crocodile.