“Anansi must choose between two favorites: hiding from rain, and playing with big dogs.
The big dogs beckon. Rain has not yet begun. When the rain begins to fall, shelter is close by. Perhaps just a few minutes outside with Chaos and Mayhem will be safe. Staying close to home is wise. Anansi will not have far to run when the weather goes bad.”
“Anansi self-negotiates and self-compromises. Finally, Anansi heads out with Chaos.”
“Anansi soon forgets the negotiations and the compromise and the fear. When Mayhem joins the game, Anansi thinks of nothing but the sport of romping dogs.
These giant friends provide a tunnel through Anansi’s fear. These friends provide a bridge over inaction and indecision. Friends provide distraction through a storm.”
“The three dogs run and chase. Anansi rolls in the damp grass beneath the gray sky. Anansi runs in the sharpening breezes.”
“When the rain finally comes, Anansi does not notice the wet. Anansi’s fur mats. Water drips from Anansi’s ears and nose. Anansi plants toes into the damp earth to leap onto the big dogs. Anansi forgets all but the play.”
“Chaos and Mayhem decide before Anansi to quit and take shelter from the falling water. Anansi stands in the downpour and watches them retreat. Anansi wants to continue playing in rain. Anansi had not known the fun to be had in a situation previously feared.”
Uncle Junior pauses. The boys think.
Isabella is the first to speak. “It rained yesterday. Will another storm come?”
“Yes,” Uncle Junior smiles at the bright little girl. “And Anansi will fear again. Anansi will want to seek shelter and hide during a storm. But I predict that Chaos and Mayhem will find Anansi again. Those giant friends will return to stomp down Anansi’s fear and entice Anansi to the good times.”
“When the next storm comes, Anansi must choose between safety and Chaos. Anansi must choose Mayhem or comfort.”
Dingo Pingo speaks up, “Those are false choices. Through Chaos and Mayhem, Anansi discovered that safety was just another word for fear. Anansi chose Chaos over fear. Good choice, Anansi!”
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