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The Quiet Pond After the swimming carnival, Isla and Idris took a shortcut through the park. Near the pond, Isla stopped. A plastic cup bobbed on the water, and a crisp packet was caught in the reeds. The pond, usually busy with ducks and dragonflies, seemed strangely still. “Maybe the rubbish has scared the wildlife away,” Idris said. Isla wanted to reach for the cup, but the bank was slippery. “We shouldn’t go into the water,” she said. “Let’s tell someone who can help.” They found a park keeper nearby and explained what they had seen. He thanked them and collected the litter safely using equipment that let him reach it from the bank. Isla and Idris helped by picking up a few wrappers from the dry path and putting them in a bin. The park keeper showed them a small sign beside the pond: PLEASE TAKE YOUR RUBBISH HOME. “People can help wildlife by keeping this place clean,” he said. A soft quack came from behind the reeds. A duck paddled into view, followed by two ducklings. Isla smiled. The pond had not changed in a moment, but the children had taken a careful first step to look after it. On their way home, Idris said, “We could remind our friends to use the bins.” “And never climb down a slippery bank,” Isla added. They both laughed. The pond was quiet again, but now it felt hopeful.