[ IP ] Finders Keepers . A picture is worth a thousand words . Image link in text .

Joe was happily playing with his colorful new toy when he realized he was n't alone. He peered at the shore, where two creepy-crawlies making *awful* noises. Joe held the toy protectively in one hand. The creepy-crawlies could n't have it. 
 
 The creepy-crawlies were not going away. Joe shuffled backwards in the water and hoped they could n't swim. All those tiny limbs, their venomous fangs, and their fuzzy hair... he shuddered. Mummy had told him not to go near creepy-crawlies. If she was here she would know what to do. But Mummy was no longer here. *Mummy, * Joe wuffled sadly. His good mood ruined, Joe slumped into the water with another plaintive whine. *Mummy... * 
 
 He curled in on himself and hugged the toy closer to his chest. There was a small *pop* and the toy vanished. Joe lurched upright and examined his hands. No, there it was - a colorful blob was floating the water. But when Joe picked it up, he found it was now flat and squishy like lily pads. Useless. Joe sniffled sulkily and collapsed back into the water. 
 
 Through his malaise, Joe noticed the creepy-crawlies were not shrieking at him any more. Joe blew some bubbles and wished they would go away. To his surprise, they did. 
 
 *Mummy*, Joe whined again. He missed her. 
 
 To make matters worse, it was n't long before the awful noises were back. Joe opened the eye that was n't submerged and glared balefully at the two creepy-crawlies standing once more on the bank. Could n't they be awful somewhere else? He was preparing for a proper tantrum when he realized the pale creepy-crawly was carrying something - another toy! 
 
 It flung the toy towards Joe, where it lightly hit the water and floated in a swirl of color. Joe cautiously resurfaced and sat on his haunches. The toy bobbed against his knee. 
 
 `` Whilllgowoonn!'' Shrieked the pale creepy-crawly, waving its arms. `` Itsssfuryooo!'' Then it sat on the grassy bank and looked at him expectantly. The smaller creepy-crawly wriggled excitedly and yelled, `` RRoorrff!'' 
 
 Joe was n't sure what to reply. With slow movements he retrieved the colorful ball. The creepy-crawlies were still staring. Would they leave again? It seemed not. With some trepidation, Joe resumed his previous game. He sank the ball and let it go. It shot upwards and jumped above the surface, where Joe gleefully pounced on it. The huge splash sent a wave crashing over the creepy crawlies. 
 
 They yelped but did n't seem angry. Joe watched them for a long moment. Their loud voices were shrill and piercing, but maybe that's just because they were small. They also did n't run away or come into the water. 
 
 `` Whillgowon!'' said the taller one again, pointing at the ball. 
 
 Joe fidgeted, his tail sending ripples across the swamp. The creepy-crawlies stayed where they were. Maybe they were n't dangerous after all. And so with one eye on the shore, Joe continued his game, feeling just a little bit less lonely than he had in a long time.
