Attack of the Giant Lizard!

Northern Aligator Lizard amid PLAYMOBILE characters
It was a peaceful day when Molly and her dog, Max, were out strolling among the pine cones.  The hot sun had opened them up and the concealed pitch let off an embrace of delicious smells.  Oh, it was good to be outdoors on a day like this.

Molly always enjoyed her adventures outdoors.  And Max was always by her side.  There when hiking, when witnessing Nature's glory, and there in times of trouble.  They were inseparable; a team destined to do great things together.

On this particular day, Molly decided to retrace one of her favourite walks.  "The Pine Cone Path," as she used to call it, was rich with all the things she held dear with the outdoors.  Max enjoyed the time too, as he would search for just the right twig for his master to throw for him with delight as she always did.

As Max was sniffing out just the right one, something moved in the shadows.  Caught unaware, he jumped back to see an enormous lizard suddenly lurch forward.  Barking furiously, Molly heard the rising din and whistled loudly for him to come back.  In an instant, Max was off.

But he was not alone.  As Max scrambled back towards his master a long slithering mass wriggled its way towards them.  It was moving with surprising speed, its legs barely carrying its weight, the serpentine movements forcing the spotted lizard forward.  Max got to Molly first and turned, teeth bared, and barked even louder.

Surprised by the sudden appearance of her hackle raised dog who showed an uncharacteristic degree of aggression, she was overwhelmed even more by what trailed him.  She let out an involuntary scream and raised her hands in shock.  This monster was after her dog, and she felt none too safe herself.  Whatever could she do?

Nearby, a COVID mask-wearing man was enjoying the same amazing day and location as experienced by Molly and Max.  He heard her screams and the furious barking which accompanied them.  Without pausing to consider what it could all mean, he dashed towards the excitement.

Luckily, he had brought his hiking stick, which resembled a great sword, with him.  Grabbing the staff by its hilt, he arrived just in time to see the creature pressing the pair back towards one of the pine cones.  Waving it furiously, he yelled and made thrusting gestures towards the creature.  With great cunning and flourish, his advances caused the enormous beast to cower.

Clearly, this was not the day to taste dog.  The time to make a hasty retreat was here, and it slithered off quickly in the same way it had suddenly appeared behind Max.  Molly issued a command for Max to stay, and the three of them watched as their nemesis withdrew into the shadows from where it had come.

Not only had this staff-wielding man saved them from the grizzly advances of this monster, but he wore a mask to protect them (and himself) from any possibility of transferring COVID-19.  He was hero, in more ways than one, and Molly felt safe in his presence.  Neither of them bore the disease (plastic is immune to such things), and he ensured that Molly and her partner got home safely.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com   Eric Svendsen

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