“Don’t push your luck,” Koko chuckled, a deep, warm sound. “But seriously, thanks. I owe you one.”

“You owe me ten,” Barnaby corrected him, pointing to his face. “Do you know how many wrinkles this level of stress adds to my delicate complexion?”

They soon reached the Sugar-Cane Springs, a hidden oasis where the sweet, purple stalks grew thick and tall beside a crystal-clear stream. Matilda’s eyes shone with joy as she began to harvest the stalks, thanking Barnaby and Koko profusely before lumbering back toward her herd.

A New Era of Peace

With the elephant pleased and the crisis averted, Barnaby and Koko sat down by the water to rest. The afternoon sun filtered through the thick canopy, casting golden speckles of light across the forest floor.

“So,” Koko said, breaking a stalk of sugar cane in half and offering the sweeter end to Barnaby. “What now?”

“Now,” Barnaby said, taking a bite and letting the sweet juice wash away the taste of panic, “we make a pact.”

“A real one?” Koko smiled.

“Yes. From now on, you don’t steal my snacks, and I don’t have to invent giant, ten-foot fruit bats to save your skin.”

“Deal,” Koko laughed, extending his giant pinky finger.

Barnaby wrapped his entire hand around the silverback’s finger, shaking it solemnly. His face finally relaxed into a peaceful, satisfied grin. He had survived a giant elephant, tamed a wild gorilla, and secured a lifetime supply of sugar cane—all thanks to the most expressive face in the jungle. 🐒