Erica Wilson's Story

"Tinderthals"

Matt gave a little sigh and started towards the small village. Silently, he repeated what his mother had said to him before he took off, “Be careful honey, be careful.” He wished he had been more careful. When he was closing the door of his spaceship his sleeve had gotten caught. Instead of paying attention to where he was going, he was trying to get his sleeve out of the door. Suddenly his airship crashed into something that looked like a planet.

“It doesn’t matter,” he told himself, “Someone will help me.” As he drew closer to the village, little structures shaped like ears, yes, feet, hands and mouths started to appear. Little animals raced around their houses planting flowers, doing cartwheels and humming little tunes.

“Excuse me,” Matt cleared his throat. Suddenly the humming stopped.

“It’s a human!” A little hamster with a bright pink bow on er head exclaimed. Matt looked at them slowly.

“I’m sorry,” Matt started to say, “You see my airship is…” a dog with brown fur cut in, “He’s going to turn our village into human facility! RUN!” The animals scattered into their oddly shaped houses. Closing his eyes Matt hoped that his journey would end soon.

“I’m sorry,” a little voice said, “My family’s over reacting.” Matt opened his eyes and saw a little guinea pig with blond fur standing there.

“I’m Natalie,” she said.

“I’m Matt, Matt Cruse.” Matt smiled at Natalie, “Why are you afraid of me?” Natalie smiled back at Matt, “My family keeps to themselves. They are really nice once you get to know them.”

“So you’re animals, right?” Matt asked. Natalie licked her paw, “Actually, we’re Tinderthals. We talk to humans, other animals can’t. Also, we live on a planet called Tinalie. We mixed words together to make the word Tinderthals.”

Matt nodded, “Cool. So do you think your family could help me with my airship?” Natalie nodded and disappeared in a flash. Matt sat down as he waited for Natalie. Looking up, he noticed the sky was getting dark. Thick black clouds swirled around veering the sun like a blanket. There was a cool breeze that gave him the chills. Even through the darkness Matt heard footsteps and a muffled voice say, “But he’s a human!”

Finally Natalie came with all the other TInderthals behind her.

She whispered in Matt’s ear, “They agreed to help you with your airship as long as you don’t tell anyone about us.” Matt nodded, “Deal. Let’s get to work.”

The wind was howling and the rain was pouring down on everyone by the time they were finished the airship. The Tinderthals were actually very nice and helpful. They learned to trust Matt and he learned to trust them.

As he hopped onto his airship the Tinderthals cried, “Goodbye!” Matt waved, “I’ll never forget you!” he yelled as his ship took off.

Every year he returned to the Tinderthals on Tinalie. He learned their songs and dances while visiting. He stayed truthful to his friends and never told anyone about the Tinderthals.

Erica Wilson is from Red Deer, Alberta