Issue 6 - November 1998

The boy who cried "Wolf!"

Once upon a time there was a lively ginger-mopped kid called Skittles. He loved nothing more than running around the park with a few of his pals, and challenging boys from other schools to a game of football.

Skittles was one of the best players in his school, and often scored goals. When he did, he would spin around like a top, a broad smile covering his glowing face. However, Skittles really wanted to be like his old pal Trevor, who had moved to another school the previous term.

Now, Trevor was not only a good player, but a very good actor, and when someone from another school came close to him, he could easily fool the teachers into thinking that he had been hurt. The teachers often let him have a free kick of the ball because they felt sorry for him.

Skittles wanted to be just like Trevor, and soon set out to follow in his old pal's footsteps.

That Saturday at the local park, Skittles waited for a few minutes, then, when a big boy from the other school came close, he fell over and waved his arms about. "foul, Sir!" he cried. But the teacher was not impressed. He shook his head and allowed the other boy to keep the ball.

A couple of minutes later, Skittles tried again. This time the other boy was not as close, but Skittles threw himself to the ground and writhed about for a few seconds. Once again the teacher just shook his head, and allowed the game to continue.

Skittles tried several more times, but still had no success. After about an hour, he realised that perhaps he was not such a good actor after all. He decided to play the game fairly and properly.

The other boys saw what was going on, and every time that Skittles came close, they lashed out with their heavy Clarks shoes. Skittles fell over, but the teacher looked at him and said "Get up and stop whining."

After an hour and a half, a sorrowful Skittles was looking forward to the end of the game. Seconds before the final whistle, a nasty big boy from the other school kicked Skittles really hard in the shin. There was an almighty crack! But no-one took any notice. The teacher blew his whistle, and all the other boys trooped off home for jam and bread, leaving a sad little Skittles lying in a pool of his own blood.

The End