Bonita was grumpy all morning. Her parents had decided it was time to move again. Bonitasauras were herbivores who needed lots of grass, leaves and flowers to feed on. Therefore the family, together with the whole clan, moved every few weeks to new grazing lands to be able to feed themselves. That meant that as soon as Bonita made friends in a new place, it was time to pack again and say goodbye to them. The young dinosaur felt that it wasn't fair, so in a grumpy mood she decided not to speak to anyone all day. That morning, they started on their march together with their whole clan of bonitasauras, moving slowly in the usual order.
When they got to a new part of the jungle of ferns a week later, they decided to stay there near a cooling river with lots of vegetation around to feed on. Bonita made up her mind on arrival that she didn't like the new place. Besides, there wasn't any point in getting too familiar with it, as she would need to leave it soon when the clan decided to move again. Whilst her family was setting up a camp, Bonita's curiosity took the better of her and she decided to look around the area before the sun would set. Since her parents didn't object, she set off on a little walk. Their new neighbourhood seemed nice enough. It was lush and fresh thanks to the river, which provided water to drink and a pool in which they could cool during the hottest of days. All of a sudden, she heard some voices and not knowing anybody around there yet, her instinct told her to hide fast before they could spot her. Bonita watched the two strangers from her hiding place amongst the big rhododendron leaves. There they were, slowly walking towards the river. Two young dinosaurs of another species, who appeared to be friends. They were laughing and talking loudly and, luckily, they went past Bonita without noticing her. They seemed friendly enough, but she wasn't in the mood to meet anyone new.
That night Bonita slept really badly having strange nightmares of pink T-Rexes chasing her through a beautiful open meadow. When she was out of breath, running and really scared, she woke up. Not telling anyone about her dream, so they didn't prohibit her from leaving the camp believing it could be a sign of something bad about to happen, Bonita had breakfast, helped her parents with the chores and went to explore some more of the forest. She made up her mind to find magnolia trees with their delicious flowers, to eat some and to fetch some in order to decorate her new den. She collected lots of pink, lilac and white magnolia flowers and returned to her den singing happily. When she finished decorating the den, Bonita was so pleased with the result she clapped with joy. The den looked like a dinosaur princess's palace. It crossed her mind that her clan would move again soon, and she would regret making this place so beautiful only to have to leave it behind so soon. However, she decided not to think about it now in order not to spoil her beautiful new room and to enjoy the time she would have in this little flower palace.
She got to know the area over the next few days, often visiting the river. The sound of glistening water rushing over the stones was so melodic and happy. She often sat on the riverbank contemplating its beauty. It was hard not to fall in love with this place, despite her best intentions. One day she hardly got to the river, when she heard unfamiliar voices again. They belonged to the young dinosaurs whom she had seen before from her hiding place among the rhododendron leaves. Bonita quickly hid, but they were too close to her this time and they saw her. The dinosaurs approached the bushes and the taller one asked:
- Who are you? And why are you hiding? Are you spying on us?
A little embarrassed, she came out of her hiding spot and said boldly:
- My name is Bonita and I'm not spying. And who are you?
- I'm Paphu and this is Tupo - responded the taller one pointing to his friend.
- Why were you hiding from us? - enquired curiously Tupo in a soft voice.
- Because I'm new and I don't know anybody around here, yet.
- Well, in such case we can show you around if you'd like, right Paphu?
- Sure thing. We were going to forage for some tasty flowers or sweet berries so you can join us.
- Well - Bonita hesitated for a moment since she didn't know them. However, after a short contemplation, she decided that she felt comfortable with them and her instinct told her that they were friends, so she finally responded - I guess, I can join you.
And so, they all followed the path along the river into the woods. The boys showed her the waterfall and the caves, the young school of trees and which areas were dangerous and were to be avoided at all times as T-rexes and other predators liked to make traps for other animals there. All around, there were lots of flowering plants which were both beautiful to look at and delicious. Whilst walking, Tupo and Paphu asked Bonita where she came from and why, and all sorts of questions like that. They hardly ever met new dinosaurs, so they were very curious and really pleased to have made a new friend.
Bonita decided she liked the boys and she liked her new home. Over the next few weeks the three of them played hide and seek and laughed a lot as Bonita was always the easiest to find since she didn't know the best hiding spots around, yet. They collected colourful stones and sat by the river sharing scary stories. Together they were never bored! One day, the friendly trio, went on a longer adventure with a picnic. They set off really early to be able to show Bonita more distant places in their forest. They walked through a big meadow, with several magnolia trees. Then, along the river and through a place in the forest, called Paradise, rich in colourful flowers of all shapes and sizes with lots of large insects playing their tunes, like cicadas and grasshoppers. At last, they got to a river crossing, possible only because of a recently fallen large tree.
- Our parents don't allow us to cross the river - Tupo informed Bonita.
- Don't be silly, this is our chance to explore it! - said excitedly Paphu - besides, we can always tell our parents we were showing Bonita around.
- Well, I think it's an opportunity to explore and this way all of us will be in a part of the forest we don't know - said Bonita in a shy but encouraging voice.
There was a marsh on the other bank of the river. Tupo's and Paphu's parents forbade them to go to the marsh and to ever cross the river, saying there were monsters hiding in the tall grasses, so the boys hesitated once again, but their curiosity got the better of them.
- I walked through marshes plenty of times before and they had not been as scary as your parents had told you - said reassuringly Bonita and daring the boys a little she added - I had never seen a monster there in my life!
- A little trip out should be safe enough - confirmed Paphu in a semi-convinced tone, adding - as long as we come back soon.
So, they crossed the river and went on to explore the marsh. The first thing they had noticed was that they had to stick to the path otherwise they could get swallowed by the mud and shifting sands. The vegetation was very different here, too. The grass was taller and tougher, and it grew high above them. The animals there lived either in the water or were very noisy, such as buzzing and chirping insects and quacking, whistling and trilling frogs and toads. Everything was moist with lots of creepy large bugs around.
The dinosaurs took great care to remember the path back and the turns they took, as they could no longer see to the other side of the river where they came from. Suddenly, a huge crocodile emerged out of the water trying to bite Paphu's tail off. All three of them jumped in freight and ran as fast as they could. After a good long run through the maze of the marsh, the reptile finally gave up the chase. They were all breathing heavily and looked a little pale. Their hearts were beating very fast and all three dinosaurs were a little spooked. More so, because they knew they could not stay there for too long and had to find their way back before it got dadark.
- Paphu, are you okay? asked Tupo seeing how pale his best friend got.
- Yes, I'm okay - said Paphu in a shaking voice.
Tupo, a bit frightened but logical, summed up everyone's thoughts:
- We are lost and the swamp will turn even more dangerous as the night approaches. We need to get out of here and soon!
The three friends sat down to come up with a plan on how to find their way back to the river, the way back home.
Tupo spoke up again, this time encouragingly:
- We need a stick and a rock each to defend ourselves if the beast crosses our path again.
- Yes, that's a good idea. Also, I can use my crest to make a scary call to frighten the monster if it appears again - added cheered up Paphu.
- And I can puff up my collar turning it all frightening red - went on Tupo, bragging a little.
- I can hit the water with my powerful tail to scare the monster away - suggested Bonita, adding - We better make marks on the ground by dragging sticks behind us so that we know the path we already travelled and we continue going forward and avoid going in circles.
- Good idea Bonita! - smiled Paphu - We need to be quiet and vigilant, too, and listen up for the bubbling of the river which we need to find if we are to find the way back home.
- Good. I'll go first and puff up my collar - suggested Tupo seeing that Paphu was still a little shaken by the incident with the beast.
So off they went on their journey back. Luckily for them, the crocodile never reappeared but they had to change their route several times, as they encountered many dead-end paths. Thanks to Bonita's idea they at least knew which path they have already tried. At long last, they saw the river and the passage over it. They looked at each other with relief and happy smiles. Their cooperation and cool headedness paid off. If only their parents had seen how brave, organised and clever they had all been! But of course, they could never tell them, because they would also have to admit that they had not listened to their advice not to cross the river, and because of their disobedience and foolishness Paphu nearly lost his tail.
When they finally crossed the river, all three dinosaurs sat down on the stones by the river and laughed in relief to have escaped safely.
- What was that beast? - asked curiously Paphu, at last able to talk about what had happened.
- I don't know, but it had a huge mouth full of large teeth! - said Tupo.
- I think that was a crocodile - said Bonita. - I have heard about them but have never seen one before. It was huge!
A shiver visibly shook the three dinosaurs again.
- We are safe now! - said Tupo, adding - All this running gave me such an appetite, I could eat a crocodile or two!
They all burst out laughing, agreeing it was time to eat something. They ate lots of yummy fruit and berries, which they found in Paradise on their way back home. The young dinosaurs were exhausted by their scary adventure, but also very happy to be alive and together, so they celebrated with a fun crazy dance with the last of their strength. They also made a vow to never tell anyone about how foolish they had been that day, to listen to their parents more and that they would always be the best of friends. Indeed, from that day they were inseparable.
A few weeks later Bonita's parents said they would be matching on the following day. Whilst this area was more bountiful than most, there were too many animals to share the food with. Besides, the local dinosaurs didn't want their clan to stay there for much longer saying that the food supplies would quickly finish with so many animals around and they all would starve. Bonita went to sleep crying. Life just didn't seem fair! She got up really early and ran to say goodbye to her friends, whilst her parents were packing their belongings and the first families were already leaving on their march.
- We are moving again - said Bonita with a quiet sad voice to Tupo and Paphu.
- Oh, no! What will we do without you!? - exclaimed Tupo - you are the only friend we ever had besides each other.
- Tupo, don't make it harder for Bonita. Her family needs to match on. That's how they live. - Paphu said rather wisely, adding - You are our friend for eternity, even if you are not around to play with us. We will be waiting for your return here and you will always be welcome!
- I'm sad to leave. I wish I could stay... - whispered Bonita as tears welled up in her eyes - I will miss you both! Take good care of each other and remember don't cross the river until I'm back!
Without uttering another word, Bonita quickly hugged the boys, turned around and ran to her parents, before the boys could see her cry.
ACTIVITIES
