The Brave Octopus

Assalamualaikum and a very good morning to the honourable judges, teachers,

and fellow friends. Today, I’m going to tell you an inspiring story entitled, ‘The Brave

Octopus’.

Once upon a time, there was a shy and quiet octopus. One day, the octopus

was trying to catch a very slippery oyster. Before he knew it, he had tied himself into

one massive knot, “Oh, no! I’m trapped”. He couldn't move.

He tried with all his strength to wriggle free, but it was no good. In the end, he

had to ask for help from the passing fish. “Help! Help! Someone help me please. I can’t

move”, the octopus shouted for help. Unfortunately, many fish swam past, ignoring

him. Unexpectedly, one very kind little fish offered to help to untie all those tentacles.

The octopus felt heartily relieved when he was finally set free, but he was so

shy. He simply thanked the fish, and quickly swam off. The kind little fish was so

disappointed with the octopus’s reaction. The octopus felt so regret for not making

friends with the kind fish.

A few days later the octopus was resting between some rocks. He noticed that

everyone around was hurriedly swimming past. He saw an enormous fish coming over

to feed in that area. The octopus quickly hid; then, he saw the huge fish was chasing

the kind little fish who had untied him. “Oh, no! I must help the little fish from the

trouble,” said the octopus quietly. That little fish really needed help, but the big fish

was so dangerous-looking that no one dared to go near. The octopus felt that he had

to do whatever he could to come to his aid.

 Without hesitating, the octopus shot out from the rocks. He shot out the biggest

jet of ink of his life. He grabbed the little fish, and hide in the rocks. The big fish went

to the rocks, looking for the octopus and the little fish. “Come out, you little creatures.

I’m going to eat you alive!”, shouted the big fish. Now he really wanted to gobble them

down!

Soon, though, he began feeling a terrible itch; all over his body. The octopus's

dark ink had given him a terrible allergy!! “Ouch! Ouch! My body feels hurt and itchy”,

exclaimed the big fish. So, the big fish swam away, irritated all over.

As soon as he was gone, all the fish came out from their hiding place and

congratulated the octopus for being so brave. “Wow, so brave of you Mr. Octopus”.

Then, the little fish told them all how he had helped the octopus a few days earlier.

However, he had never known anyone be so grateful that they would end up doing

something so dangerous. Hearing this, everyone around was keen to be the friend of

such a brave and honourable octopus.

The moral of the story, we should be kind to one another as the saying goes

‘one good turn deserves another’. We should also never underestimate ourselves.

That’s all from me. Thank you.