Story of the month
On this page you will find an original story (or adaptation) and I hope you will enjoy this. If you feel inspired to re-tell it, please do acknowledge the source (you could even mention this website!).
It was an idyllic scene. The clear azure waves lapped lazily on the gleaming white sand of a coral beach. A hammock slung between two coconut palms moved gently in time to the sound of the ukulele-playing occupant, who was wearing only a brightly coloured sarong and a straw hat over his face. A red-faced pot-bellied tourist waddled into view and sank gratefully into the cool shade under the trees, resting his back against the rough bark. He allowed the sights and sounds of the peaceful paradise to wash over him before he spoke.
“Well this is the life! Mind you, if you got off your butt and did some work around here you could maybe catch some fish, earn yourself a bit of cash”
The hat tipped up and one eye opened.“Yeah? And how would that help me?”
The tourist snorted.“Money mate, money! You could buy yourself a decent boat with an outboard motor. Then you could go further out, catch more fish”
“Hmm sounds interesting, but why do I want more fish?”
Again, the tourist dissolved into incredulous laughter.
“Mate! More fish is more dollars! Buy yourself a Ute, drive around the island and take the fish to market!”
The hammock wobbled dangerously as its occupant propped himself up on one elbow and leaned forward. “Yeah? A Ute ay? That would be alright”
The tourist wiped his sweaty palms on his lurid shirt as he warmed to the subject. “Well that’s just the beginning see? A Ute to start with, then something a bit more styley as the money rolls in. You’d have to work for it of course, catch more fish maybe get a second boat, but then you’re talking flash two-storey house, indoor lavvy, double garage…”
By this time the man had swung his legs over the side of the hammock, tipped his hat back and was listening to the tourist with a keen interest.“And then what?”
“Then what? Well, once you’ve worked your butt off, got yourself a house, fancy car, a few boats, you could afford a holiday couldn’t you? Get on a plane and fly away to tropical island where the azure waves lap lazily against the white sand of a coral beach. Find yourself a coupla coconut trees, sling up a hammock, grab a ukulele, lean back and enjoy the good life….”
The hammock resumed its rhythmic rocking as the man once again flopped back.
“Yeah right”
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