Living Like A Lion-The Circus

Chapter 26-It's Not Funny With No Voice

26.It's Not Funny With No Voice

The circus now was full of many animal-kids; so there was never a lack of animals for the shows. Anna and Annie put on the Big cat part and I was usually in it. Occasionally Robi and Billy would join in the show; but most of the time, they were testing the new shots that Dr. Jason made. The newest shots lasted a month and many kids were having school field trips during their month. I was happy staying a lion until one day, I could no longer speak with my beloved family.

Annie released me from my individual cage and I said, “Thanks.” She didn't reply, but only looked at me strangely. We hurried to the circle cage to practice the show. Anna and human Robi met us there with smiles. “Hello my dear,” I greeted as I rubbed against Anna's legs.

“Stop fooling James. You know I don't understand,” Anna laughed as she knelt beside me.

“Honey, what do you mean?” I asked confused as I placed my paw on her knee.

“James, speak English. Really dear,” Anna chuckled as she stroked my mane.

“Annie. Anna. Robi. Do you understand me?” I asked as I glanced at each one.

“I understand you brother,” replied Robi, but Anna and Annie stared at me confused.

Annie quickly changed into a lion and asked, “Dad, why don't you speak English?”

“I thought I was,” I answered confused; then Annie changed back and told Anna.

“Oh, honey. Let's go see Dr. Jason. Maybe he would know,” Anna said sadly as she slid onto my back and I carried her out of the circle cage. I quickly walked between the many cages of my new friends to the circus doctor's tent; then Anna got off and went inside. She soon returned with Dr. Jason. “Dr. Jason, what is wrong?” she asked as he looked down my throat.

“James, how do you feel?” he asked as he stared into my eyes, checking for sickness.

“Fine,” I replied, but both just stared at me confused.

“Grab the rock. I left it over there,” Dr. Jason commanded as he pointed to a table in the far corner. She did as asked and laid it at my paws. “Write it,” he ordered as he and Anna sat down; so they could read better.

'I feel fine,' I wrote angrily.

“Well, I think your transformation is finally complete, James,” Dr. Jason said as he scratched his chin.

“Why didn't it happen before now?” I asked, but Dr. Jason just tapped the rock. 'I don't understand why it didn't happen before now,' I scratched.

“I don't either James, but if you want I will change you back as soon as we can get over to the hotel,” he said as he went to rise.

“Please James. I know you have put it off, but now you are like the others with no voice,” Anna pleaded as she hugged me.

'Fine,' I etched furious. I followed them to the hotel and Anna waited in the hall, while Dr. Jason and I hurried into a room.

Dr. Jason injected a shot before helping dress; then he called Anna in. “Oh dear. You are handsome,” Anna cheered as she hugged me.

“Thank you dear,” I said before I glanced at Dr. Jason. “Will I be able to walk?”

“I don't know, but let's try,” he replied before I pushed myself up, but I fell and luckily he caught me.

“Well, that answers the question,” Anna laughed as she put her arm around me and helped me stand. “Let's go work on your walking.” I leaned against her as she helped me to the exercise room. She had me walk on the treadmill until I was steady enough to walk by myself. “Come. Let's go find your parents,” Anna said as she hooked my arm and led me down the hall.