The Night Safari
“On your right, you’ll see the markhor,” said the guide in a hushed voice. The tram had slowed to a stop to let the passengers have a close look at the animals. Ben and his parents turned to see the animals grazing just next to the tram.
Just as the tram was about to move off, several flashes of light went off at the back of the tram. Before the guide could do anything, there was mayhem as a markhor butted into the tram and tried to climb on. A piercing scream rose through the air which startled the other animals so much that they ran helter-skelter across the grass patch.
“Stay calm,” said the guide as firmly as she could when the driver accelerated and the tram moved off at a much faster pace than before. Everyone was shaken by what had happened. Ben was so frightened that he insisted on sitting on his mother’s lap. The guide reprimanded the passenger for taking photographs when he was not allowed to.
The passenger did not dare take any more photographs for the rest of the trip. Everyone was very quiet too. They were worried about making loud noises that would antagonize the animals. Ben’s heart was still palpitating with fear by the time the ride was over.
