Simba Trotville was a lion cub, who was 8 years old in human years. He lived in a big American city. He was on his way to the cat farmer's market. His father, Frederick Trotville, had sent him there to buy fresh fish, as well as something for their lunch. The market was crowded with cats weaving between the stalls. Simba spotted his friend, Silvertail, in the teeming crowd by the flash of his light grey fur. He called out to him,
"Hey, Silvertail, have you got time for a chat?"
"Hi Simba, yes I can chat but only if you come to my stall, so I can keep an eye on it," he replied breathlessly.
Silvertail sold fish, so he was able to speak to his friend often, given Simba's liking for fish. Silvertail had some interesting news for Simba. He had spotted a foreign bird in the market. It was a white bird, with long tail-feathers, spread like a fan. There was a pattern of eyes on the tail feathers which were as red as blood. Simba knew that it was a peacock. He was quiet for a moment, thinking about this news. Then, he shook himself out of his thoughts and remembered his shopping errand.
"I would like two big pieces of tuna please, Silvertail," he said.
After he got the fish, he stopped at another stall for sandwiches and crisps. As Simba headed for home, he happened to look down and see a big puddle. In the puddle, he seemed to see a vision of a big lion staring back at him with big eyes and teeth. Simba gasped and ran the rest of the way home. He wanted to tell Little Bear, his brother, (who was 12 years old in human years) and his father, about the scary lion.
When he got in the house, he saw someone (who was dressed in what looked like silver robes) talking to his father and brother. Simba came in slightly breathless and skidded to a halt. Simba's father introduced the stranger.
"Simba, this is Shen," his father said calmly, giving Simba an enquiring look.
"It's very nice to meet you Shen," Simba replied politely.
"Shen came to order a large quantity of fish for his workers," his father explained. Simba eyed Shen curiously.
You're a peacock, aren't you?" he asked.
"Yes I am young Simba," Shen replied.
"I think you're a magnificent bird," said Simba admiringly.
"Oh, such flattery, thank you Simba," Shen said, smiling at the little lion cub.
"I'd best be on my way then," said Shen.
"I will deliver your fish to your warehouse on the docks tomorrow afternoon," said Frederick.
"Goodbye," called Shen as he left through the front door, his long talons making a clinking on the ground as he walked.
"Goodbye, Shen and thank you for calling," replied Frederick.
"Will I see him again soon Daddy?" asked Simba.
"Perhaps, if he needs more fish," his father said distractedly.
"Daddy," Simba went on, "I saw a vision of a big lion in a puddle today; what does it mean?" asked Simba nervously. It was Little Bear who answered Simba's question.
"Simba must have seen his own reflection in that puddle Father Bear." (Although Simba called Frederick "daddy" Little Bear called him "Father Bear" because Frederick was Little Bear's father as well as Simba's.)
"How do you know what I saw in the puddle was my reflection?" Simba asked Little Bear.
"Because I saw something scary like that when I was with our grandfather once," Little Bear replied.
