“Where ? Where ?” and a short time later
“There’s another ! “ pointed out Maggie and everyone rushed to the other side while “Wildlife Expert” called out…
“ Where ? Where ?”
This continued on as Maggie was first to point out pigs and deer, egrets and eagles and much to “Wildlife Experts” chagrin, many more gators. “Wildlife Expert” by this time had welded his field glasses to the front of his head in a determined effort to be the first to spot something making him oblivious to the two young boys who had met and befriended each other playing directly behind him.
Suddenly there was a quick scuffle and of all the people on that top deck one of those boys chose to run directly up to me to pour out his teary lament.
“ That kid kicked me !” and his little body was already jerking in the beginnings of a tormented sob. Never having been a parent I could only reach back for the advice my Father would have given me…..
“ Well go back there and kick him back.“ was about all I could offer and that little boy did exactly that. We all sat and witnessed one of the greatest World Cup Soccer winning kicks of all time creating such a burst of screaming anguish from the victim that “Wildlife Expert“ finally yanked the field glasses out of his eye sockets.
The only ones looking pleased over this episode was “Wildlife Expert” as his ineptitude was no longer being noticed as the entire vessel was busy glaring at me. And of course young Pele who had just learned that he need not be anyone’s passive victim. The ostracism I suffered the rest of the cruise was led by the victims parents who continually gave me the sidelong fish eye though they never uttered a word. But I did get a thumbs up from young Pele.
It’s likely most on the vessel that day have forgotten this episode , but I’m betting ” neither ” of those young boys have…
And frankly… I think my wife should have collected the tip basket that day
