Trapped!

This story is a vague recollection of one I had heard some 4 years ago. The significance of the story had not struck me then. Nor do I remember clearly how it went or how it ended. But this is how I imagine, it should have gone

Simba waited patiently for the familiar click of the lock as the keeper closed the steel cage behind him. But, there was none. He waited until the keeper had vanished into the horizon and cautiously ambled his way towards the door. Yes , he had heard right. There had been no click. The door was open!

Ever since he had been brought to this zoo three years ago, he had dreamt of this moment- the moment of escape, of freedom. But now that this moment stared him in the face, he was too afraid to look. He gently moved forward and thrust his paw against the door. It shot open. Yes! He stepped out of the cage and had barely walked two steps when thunder struck. Scared and insecure, Simba ran back into the protective covers of his cage- to its furthest, deepest and darkest corner.

He tried not to look, but the open cage door kept beckoning him- kept seducing him with promises of freedom, of hope. He started pacing up and down the cage. He remembered those good old days when chasing those darned bucks had been an act of sheer pleasure and thrill. He remembered also those depressing days he had to go through when he could not find a kill, also the sheer ecstasy and peace when he killed a fat one and knew he wouldn’t have to run after one again for the next one week. He remembered those lazy afternoons he had spent with his pack on the rocks bathing in the sun.

All of a sudden, another thunderbolt brought him back to his present. Times were good here- steady and secure. He liked the keeper. He brought him his food daily- nice and cut- and always on time. He knew a few of the other lions here too. He had struck up a good friendship with them, esp with Keira. Oh, how could he leave her? May be he could attempt to run away with her. But will she be ready? And then again will it be worth the effort. Yes, he did get awfully bored here. His tenacity had gone- little children were no longer scared when he growled. But will he be able to survive in the jungle after such a long break. Will he be able to hunt?

Yes, he had heard talks of this zoo being made more spacious, more organized. This probably meant a bigger cage, better food, maybe even some space to move about outside the cage. But outside he shall be free, completely and truly.

Several times he walked out of his cage only to be attracted inwards again by its safety and security. The clouds had parted and the full moon shone upon the pathway ahead, the pathway to freedom but a pathway with its own risks attached.

Back at the keeper’s home, he suddenly realized his folly and rushed back to the zoo. The door was shut but nothing could be seen. As he peeked inwards , he caught a glimpse of Simba- his head on the ground between his legs, deep in thought, oblivious of the flies resting on it- the look of an animal truly trapped.