The animals twitched their noses, some turning towards the smell of smoke. The older ones gathered the youth around them. The rabbits hopping around stopped to sniff the air to find the direction of safety. The leader of the group found the safe passage and as he was rounding up the family a herd of springbok bounced past heading in the right direction. Mice were also gathering, squeaking directions to the rest of their horde.
Soon the forest was alive with animals running towards safety. The smell of the fire became more intense as it progressed towards them. An elephant stopped and trumpeted to his herd. The females surrounded the young ones, edging them all to safety.
Soon all had made it to the clearing by the dam. It was a wonderful sight to see. Enmity was forgotten in the midst of the danger. Mortal enemies stood tightly together, united in their fear of fire and the fire continued to eat up the forest.
© Vera Alexander
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