Читать книгу Fairy tale. Camel, Crocodile and Friday - Рза Рагимович Кафаров - Страница 5

When Camel awoke, it was already a quiet, sunny morning. He cheerfully jumped out of the barn, the air was fresh and cool. However, soon the sun began to burn, it became warmer. A group of inhabitants people crowded around the barn at 30 persons, who met the appearance of Camel with loud cheers.

Today, residents behaved more boldly, they surrounded Camel from all sides, patted him on the sides, and scratched him under the belly. They asked what he would like for breakfast, although there were several tables near the wall of the barn, which were piled with all sorts of fruits and vegetables. Camel said that what was laid on the tables was enough for him and nothing more was needed.

Then the Achmasians asked Camel to begin breakfast, which Camel promptly did, and the Achmasians watched with interest as he ate. They were curious to find out whether he quickly eats or slowly, what he likes and what he does not want to eat, how to bite, how to swallow, etc.

Finally, Camel breakfast ended, and he was about to take a walk; Many of those who watched Camel’s breakfast volunteered to accompany him. They walked through the streets of Achmas, giving Camel explanations about the locals, who does what and is famous for what.

Soon they reached the outskirts of the city, where the main highway passed. The highway was lined with walnut trees on both sides. In a small hollow near the road from under the ground, a source of clear, cold water was beating, which everyone (including Camel) enjoyed drinking with pleasure. Achmasians were amazed at how much water Camel drank at a time (and he drank three buckets). Turning to the other side of the road, the Achmasians people and Camel reached the thickets of bushes, where they all lay down on the grass, talking about this and that.

The conversation basically consisted in asking Camel about his life in the capital’s zoo and about the period of Camel’s life before the zoo when he lived in the desert. Camel talked about everything willingly and in detail, and the Achmasians people were surprised how people and camels could live in the harsh desert conditions.

All quietly doze off, and then fell sleep. Woke up when the sun was already leaning towards the horizon. Camel rose to its feet and stretched with a crunch. All followed his example, and then moved to the town, heading for Camel shed. When they came to the barn, they saw that on the tables, standing near the outer wall of the barn, piled again mountains of fruits and vegetables. Camel said: “Dear Achmasians, dear friends, I will not eat so much, and the products will spoil, will be lost. I ask you, I earnestly ask, do not bring so much. No offense, please! Enough that fits on one table!”

Those present promised to convey the words of Camel to all residents of Achmas. Warmly saying goodbye to Camel, everyone went home, and Camel went into his barn. He noticed that something had changed in the barn. Fresh straw was laid on the floor, and sconces were fastened on the walls, jolly curtains hung on the windows, and a new refrigerator was installed in the corner. In the refrigerator there were bottles and cans with various soft drinks and juices, but nothing alcoholic, since all Achmash people already knew that Camel is a sober. The yard was already dark, Camel drank a bottle of orange juice and fell asleep.

CHAPTER 4