After his long journeys in the ocean, Mr. Bahlool arrived at the Coral neighborhood. The Coral neighborhood was beautiful and quiet, but according to Mr. Bahlool’s opinion, it was too quiet. He sat for the first, second, and third days, but no one visited him at his home in the anemones until he heard screaming.
It was the mailman who had been stung by one of the painful anemone stings. Mr. Bahlool treated the mailman, then hung a warning sign. The neighborhood residents must be afraid to visit him, so he went out to get to know them, for he loved gatherings of neighbors very much.
He knocked on Mr. Dolphin’s door first. The Dolphin said, “Excuse me, my dear. We have been blessed with a newborn. It occupies all our time.” The time seemed unsuitable for a visit, as the little dolphin’s voice filled the place. Then he visited Mr. Octopus’s house. Mr. Octopus came out to him, showing signs of extreme exhaustion. The Octopus said, “I decided to repaint the house. I am very busy spraying ink on the walls.”
When he reached Mrs. Salmona’s house, he found her travel bags at the door. Mrs. Salmona said, “I am going on a trip with my family. I am traveling up the river against the current to return to my homeland.” Mr. Bahlool returned to his home after seeing everyone busy. On the way, he stumbled upon Mrs. Flatfish who had buried herself in the sand. He tried to talk to her, but she did not want to, as she did not like getting to know neighbors. Bahlool did not succeed in gathering with anyone, but a dangerous plan came to mind that would ensure his gathering with neighbors.
The next morning, Bahlool woke up energetic, prepared abundant food, and invited the neighborhood residents. The neighbors would surely hurry to him this evening. Who could resist the smell of fried algae served with a delicious side dish of marine crustaceans? He finished the preparations and waited for everyone to arrive, and waited, and waited, and waited.
No one came except Mr. Crab. Bahlool ate two pieces, then got up sadly from the dining table. The Crab said, “Don’t be sad, my friend. The neighborhood residents are always busy.” The lights of Mr. Crab’s house stayed on all night, and he didn’t sleep. He must find a new way to gather the neighborhood residents, even if they were busy.
In the morning, a singing family of whales arrived - a large octopus holding puppets tied with strings and a band of sea turtles performing acrobatic movements. It was the Ocean Circus for Happy Times. Mr. Bahlool invited them for a unique evening. To the sound of drums, little by little, the neighborhood residents came out to investigate, laughter rose everywhere, they played, amused themselves, ate together, and talked. The neighborhood residents invited the circus to stay with them, and from that moment on, the neighborhood residents gathered continuously.
Story by: Alaa Aliyan