The poor thing seems so frightened, I don't want to make it worse by scaring it towards the river. Besides, in that state it would be just as likely to run into the teeth of the jaguar or a crocodile. I shudder a little at that. Mother has told me about avoiding and being aware of the jungle predators, and so far I haven't seen much of them. I don't relish a meeting with something intent on eating the capybara or me.
"Um." I say a little blankly, looking with concern at the cowering creature. "Maybe if we make ourselves smaller and just talk quietly it will grow used to us and be more trusting and we can gently herd it to the river?"
I lie down, a bit gracelessly, as the capybara eyes me with distrust. "It's okay, little one," I croon softly, thinking of the way my mother calms me when I am afraid. "We are friends, Vi and me. We want to help. So how about we just settle down together and then maybe go find your family?"
I know it can't understand me, but I hope that the soft cadence of my voice will help it relax. I look at Vi with a smile, indicating that she should join me on the jungle floor.
"I think if we just stay still and talk quietly, it will be okay. Do you have any brothers or sisters, Vi?"
I don't have any, and I have often wondered if it would be fun to have a constant playmate.
the jungle princess