Blackie’s Gift for Granny

Granny had raised Blackie from a tiny elephant into a sturdy young friend. He played gently with the village children and loved resting beside her doorway while she prepared their evening meal.

One morning, Blackie asked Granny to walk with him. She smiled but rubbed her tired hands. “There is too much work today.” Blackie noticed how slowly she lifted the water pot.

He decided to find useful work. At the river crossing, a driver struggled with loaded wagons. Their oxen could not pull them through the shallow mud, and the journey had stopped.

The driver saw Blackie’s strength and offered two silver coins for every wagon brought across. Blackie understood the agreement. He stepped into the shallow water and tested the firmest path first.

One by one, he helped the wagons reach the opposite bank. The oxen rested, and the wheels finally escaped the mud. Blackie worked steadily until the last load stood safely on dry ground.

The driver counted the payment but offered only one coin per wagon. Blackie looked at the small pile, then stood beside the road. He would not accept half of the promised reward.

Remembering his promise, the driver counted out the missing coins. He placed the fair payment in a cloth bag and tied it loosely around Blackie’s neck. The elephant stepped aside, satisfied.

As afternoon warmed the village, the children spotted Blackie returning. They asked where he had been. He greeted them but went straight to Granny, carrying his carefully earned gift home.

Granny opened the bag and listened to his adventure. “You worked so hard for me,” she said, stroking his trunk. Blackie was pleased that she could rest her tired hands now.

After that, Blackie helped carry water and move heavy bundles. Granny still cared for him, and he cared for her. Their doorway became a peaceful place for two friends to rest together.