30. The Big S.O.S.

King Triton makes the sea creatures work hard. But they are all very happy when he says that they are, classy and sassy. I am going to the break-up yard today. said Ray-Ray to Ariel. ''What? So sudden? You're not THAT old.'' Ariel said. Ariel was just making fun. There were lots of old things at the break-up yard. They are broken up, loaded into carts, and Ray-Ray goes into the works, where they can be used again. Today, there was a big surprise waiting for Ray-Ray when he got there. It was a little monkey. Hello. said Ray-Ray. ''Why are you here? You're not old and broken. My name is Rafiki. They will kill me next week.'' Ray-Ray sniffled. My master says I need new skin to look good, but I'm just old-fashioned. Ray-Ray was shocked. ''I'm old-fashioned too. But I don't mind. King Triton says I'm both classy and sassy. What did you do in the past? My master would take me from village to village. We pulled wood, took corn, and did lots of other jobs. The kids loved to see us.'' Rafiki closed his eyes. ''Oh, yes. I love kids.'' Ray-Ray was gone. ''Going to be killed! How dreadful! Going to be killed! How dreadful! I must save Rafiki! I have to!'' He started thinking about his friends who liked monkeys, but, they

wouldn't really have room for one at their houses. What a shame, what a shame! he said. Then, Eeeek! There on the flatform, was the right person to ask for help. ''Hello, Eddie. What's the matter? There is a little monkey

in the break-up yard, farmer. He is sending us an S.O.S. message to help him. Please rescue him, sir. He takes corn, and gives kids rides on his back. We'll see.'' said the farmer. He came to see Rafiki. ''The reverend is coming, Rafiki. Maybe he will take you. You really think he will? He will when I have your foodbox working, and cleaned you off.'' The reverend came that evening. Rafiki had never felt so glad. He walked around. Show us what you can do, Rafiki. said the farmer. At last, it was done. I've got him, I've got him! Do you hear that, Rafiki? said the farmer. ''You've been rescued! And you will live in the orchard! Eeeek!'' cried Rafiki. Now, Rafiki lives in the orchard. And Ray-Ray comes to see him every day. He is always clean. Rafiki is proud of himself. But he loves the fair most of all. At the fair, he gives rides to kids of all ages. At night, he closes his eyes. I love kids. he says to himself.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch