The room seemed to be endless
A long stretch
A wide width, without walls.
In the center of the room, animals were seated, waiting expectantly. Facing the empty podium. Except for a puppy, who was curled up in a corner whimpering and shivering. Mama kangaroo hopped up to it, to pacify it.
A conversation ensues.
Mama Kangaroo: why are you crying, little one?
Puppy: I miss my friend, Emy. We were playing go fetch in the garden. When a thick smokey monster surrounded us completely. We coughed so hard, fell to the floor and slept off.
Mama Kangaroo: oh poor baby (She bends down and picks puppy up. Cuddles and rocks puppy in her arms).
Puppy: I’m so lonely. Where am I, will Emy come here?
Mama Kangaroo: No baby, Emy is resting
where humans do.
Puppy: I am scared. I don’t want to be alone.
Mama Kangaroo: It’s okay baby. I’ll be your Mama. You will not be alone.
Puppy: (still in Mama’s arm) how did you get here, Mama?
Mama Kangaroo: l was grazing on our Island with my little one. Suddenly, a huge, hot yellow light appeared from nowhere and chased us. We ran for dear life, but the light followed us with the speed of a cheater.
Puppy: Sorry Mama. Where is your baby, I don’t see him?.
Mama Kangaroo: He is at the home for sick animals. He didn’t make it to this place.
Puppy: (Curiously) But Mama, why are we here? Where do the smokey monster and hot yellow light come from? Why did they bring us here?
Mama Kangaroo: I don’t know dear. Though, I overheard the Hyena and Elephant over there chat on how they got here.
Puppy: How Mama! How?
Mama Kangaroo: well, something about forests without trees, A climate that keeps changing, farms that keep shifting. (puzzled by the words)
Puppy: (jokingly) Mama, were you eavesdropping?
Mama Kangaroo: (Amused) No baby, those two were just loud.
An elderly Koala appears and mounts the podium. The room grew silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Koala: (happily) Welcome to your place of rest. Now, you are at rest. Rest in peace.
Doshelles 