Kreative X-Pressions Publications

Chapter 1

The Pond

At first glance, one would say it was a very serene-looking pond, surrounded mostly by giant willow trees that slaked their thirst from the small pond's fresh waters. Just outside the circle of willows stood a thick, green forest, populated mostly by tall white oaks and maple trees which gave way here and there to one of their smaller white birch and poplar cousins. The sky above the pond was a deep blue color, dotted here and there by white puffy clouds that floated aimlessly across the wide horizon nudged by gentle northerly breezes. The rays of the early morning sun shimmered through the treetops of the lush, green forest that surrounded the fresh clear-water pond. All nature seemed at rest in this environment of peace.

A lone Canadian goose drifted down from the sky and landed on the still pond-waters causing a sudden rippling effect. Not far from where the goose landed a small fish jumped out of the water, either chased by danger or momentarily experiencing a moment of joy and adventure. The goose swam slowly around, poking its bill under the water here and there in search of an early morning morsel after which it would fluff its feathers and take off on its lone journey to more northern climes. After a slow, graceful paddle in a long arc towards the middle of the pond, the goose finally decided to continue on its way back home. It spread its mighty wings and was about to take off when suddenly it was pulled underneath the quiet waters and disappeared from sight. A few ripples silently testified to its momentary visit.

Off in the distance came the muffled toot of a tugboat as it plowed its way slowly up the nearby seacoast. It was followed by a loud blast of acknowledgement from a large steamship heading out to sea. The entire scene was reminiscent of a shady, peaceful haven. It was the kind of haven that beckoned to a ten year old kid on school vacation with his dog.

The kid was Mikey.

The dog was Tramp.

The pond was 'Bottomless.'

The creature? Indefinable!