Merry Meerkat Madness Page 6

  “Well, strictly speaking, they’re your half brothers and sisters,” said Radiant. “But this isn’t the season for strictness, is it now, my lovelies?”

  “Please can we see them?” begged Mimi. “Can we see Mama and the new babies? Pleeeeease!”

  “You’d better have a word with the proud father, my dear,” said Radiant. “Here he comes now, if I’m not mistaken.”

  And indeed, right on cue, Broad Shoulders appeared, heaving his powerful body out of the burrow entrance. He was looking weary—but mighty pleased with himself. “I’m a papa! Mission accomplished!” he announced, proud as a peacock. “How about you guys?”

  “Well,” declared Fearless. “Without wishing to boast or anything, I think we can say the same, what-what!” chuckled Uncle. “Am I right, my Really Mad warriors?”

  “Hear, hear! Mission accomplished!” cheered the kits.

  “Then off you go and introduce yourselves to four little strangers!” said Broad Shoulders.

  The kits raced down the tunnel, each determined to be the first to catch a glimpse of their dear mama, Fragrant, nursing her newborn babies.

  And as the meerkats greeted one another and rejoiced, Fledgie Drongo, H.M. (Honorary Meerkat) flew in the skies above them, in celebration of this marvelous and quite astonishing Kalahari Christmas.

  THE END

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