An Unusual Friendship

It was afternoon. After drinking water from the river, Monty monkey's group was heading towards its next destination. Dodo and Danny deer got to the river just as Monty's group left. They were about to rest under a tree when they happened to see Tony monkey lying unconscious.

- Dr K Rani

"What has happened to him?" Dodo asked. "Seems like he is unconscious. There are wounds on his body, too. I think he has fought with someone and that's why he is in such a state."

"What can we do?" Danny asked.

They shook him to wake him up, but he remained unconscious.

"Dodo, go and fetch some water from the river. Maybe he will feel better if he drinks some water."

"How will I bring water?"

"Look for something near the river. You will find something to hold the water," Danny replied. Dodo ran towards the river. Danny was right. He found a piece of bamboo at the riverside.

He filled it with water and instantly ran back. Dodo sprinkled some water on Tony's face and made him drink some.

After a while, he regained consciousness.

He asked, "Where am I?"

"Don't be afraid. You were lying unconscious under the tree. Who did this you?" Danny asked.

"Monty monkey."

"Why? What happened?" Dodo asked.

"My group left the jungle. I did not wish to go with them, so I stayed back here. Monty's group has taken control of this area. They want to get rid of me and so they hurt me."

"You must not stay here for long. Go back to your group," Dodo advised.

"They would have gone very far from here. I will not be able to reach them. They will return after some time, then I will join them. Okay then, I'm leaving now," Tony said.

"Take care and get your wounds treated."

"Yes. I will find some herbs, grind them and apply them to my wounds."

"Be careful of Monty's group. They may attack you again," said Danny.

"How can I repay you? If you had not been there today, I would have died."

"You should not think like that, Tony. You can always call us for help," Dodo said, then both ran towards their group.

Alone, Tony rested under the tree.