32. Ariel and Rafiki

Rafiki the monkey liked living in the orchard. Ray-Ray sees him

every day, but somedays, Rafiki didn't have much to do. ''I like to

be busy every day.'' he said one day. ''And I like company, even

company from kids. Don't worry.'' said Ray-Ray. ''King Triton has

stuff for you to do at the dockside. I'm taking you to see Ariel.''

Oh! exclaimed Rafiki. ''A dockside! By the sea! Kids! How nice!

Ariel was going to the dockside with some iron. It was needed for

the wall. Hi, Ariel. said Ray-Ray. ''This is my friend, Rafiki. He's a monkey.'' Ariel

was puzzled. A what-key? she asked. A monkey. Rafiki told her. ''I wear a helmet for air. Will

you take me to the dockside? King Triton has things for me to do. Of course I will.'' Ariel said. But she was confused. Men had attached Rafiki's cart to Ariel's load, and they were on their way. ''I'm happy that

King Triton needs me!'' Rafiki told Ariel. ''I don't have much to do. I can work anywhere, like orchards, villages,

in break-up yards, and especially docksides! But you're not a sea creature.'' said Ariel. I know! I am a monkey! Rafiki said. You'll see. When they got to the dockside, everything was damaged. Carts had fallen down, and stones and rocks were everywhere. Let's get the iron. said Ariel's worker. It's important. Rafiki, you need to pull them around. The right job for me. Rafiki said. ''Now I'll show you, Ariel. Wait and see.''

Rafiki did it. He pulled the iron with ropes, and put it in its place. Watch me go! he said. Then, Ariel brought her stuff to see Rafiki. Ariel was pleased. Now I know that even monkeys are classy and sassy. Her stuff were filled with kids. Rafiki gave them a few rides. He loved it. He's nice. said one part of Ariel's stufff. Just like Ariel. added the other. They were all sad when Rafiki had to leave. Ariel hauled him away. Rafiki looked liked he was going to cry. Ariel wanted to cheer him up. She eeked to make him feel better. I'll come another day to see you. she told him. The farmer will take care of you, and there's more work for you to do now. But we might need you again at the dockside. How lovely! Rafiki thought. That night, Rafiki went to sleep, remembering Ariel, the dockside, and the kids. Then, he closed his eyes.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch