Two little frogs began to dream of a world much bigger than they had ever imagined. Just like many humans who dared to step outside their comfort zones, they were beginning to realize that the truth was out there, waiting to be discovered.

A piece of fiction based on some true events related to the frogs and a Field Water Engineer

By Abdullah Usman Morai

Every month, without fail, Ethan, a field water engineer in his faded green uniform and reflective vest, trekked through the dense Pinebrook Forest. His job was to measure the water levels of a small, hidden pond deep inside the woods. The air was thick with the scent of moss and wildflowers, and the occasional rustle of leaves hinted at unseen creatures.

Two frogs, Blep and Glop, lived among the leafy plants near the pond. For as long as they could remember, Ethan had been coming and going, and they never missed a chance to observe the strange human.

“He’s back again,” Blep whispered, peeking from behind a fern. “What do you think he wants this time?”

“Maybe he’s here to drink our pond dry,” Glop croaked, his eyes wide with suspicion.

“Or perhaps he’s trying to catch those slippery fish!” Blep giggled. “But he’s terrible at hiding if that’s the case.”

As Ethan kneeled by the water, dipping his measuring device into the pond, the frogs continued their chatter.

“Why does he wear green like us?” Blep wondered aloud. “And those shiny things on his vest – maybe he’s an alien in disguise!”

“An alien?” Glop snorted. “If he’s so advanced, why does he jump every time he hears a snake? Did you see him last month? He almost fell over when that little snake slithered by!”

The two frogs burst into laughter, their sides quivering. “He’s bigger than all of us, even bigger than the snake, and still, he’s scared!” Glop cackled.

“And remember when the big tree fell on his path?” Blep added. “He wasn’t even here to see it – some explorer he is!”

They watched as Ethan swatted at a swarm of mosquitoes buzzing near his ears. “Ha! Look at his face!” Glop said, shaking with mirth. “He makes the funniest reactions!”

Despite their teasing, the frogs found themselves growing fond of the strange human. “Maybe we should invite him to our cave someday,” Blep suggested. “He seems like a nice creature.”

One sunny afternoon, curiosity finally got the better of them. The frogs hopped closer to Ethan as he scribbled notes in his weathered notebook.

“Hey, giant!” Glop called out boldly. “What are you really doing here?”

Ethan blinked in surprise, then smiled. “I measure the water levels,” he explained. “It helps us understand how healthy the forest is.”

Blep and Glop exchanged glances. “Huh. So you’re not here to drink the pond or catch fish?”

“Nope,” Ethan chuckled. “Just checking the water.”

Amused and curious, the frogs decided to invite Ethan to their cave. With a mix of excitement and hesitation, Ethan followed them to a mossy hollow beneath the roots of an ancient oak tree. He sat outside, marveling at the simple beauty of their home.

“So,” he asked, “have you ever been outside this forest?”

“Which world?” Blep asked, tilting his head.

“Outside the forest. There’s a whole world beyond these trees,” Ethan said.

Glop stared at him, eyes wide. “What have you been smoking, human? There is no ‘outside.’ This forest is all there is, and it’s enormous!”

Ethan chuckled softly. “Maybe you’re right. If your forest feels big and wonderful, that’s what matters most.”

But as he left the forest that day, Ethan’s thoughts lingered. “Many people,” he mused, “are just like those frogs. They stay in their comfort zones and believe their world is the biggest and best. They never venture beyond what they know, assuming that their familiar routines are all there is to life.”

He thought of friends who never traveled, who felt content in their small circles, unaware of the beauty and diversity the world offered. The frogs, with their limited view, were no different from those who refused to explore life beyond their comfort zones.

The next month, Ethan returned with a surprise. As the frogs leaped toward him, he pulled out a small, weathered photo album filled with pictures from across the world: towering mountains, sprawling deserts, shimmering oceans, and bustling cities.

At first, Blep and Glop were bewildered. “What kind of magic is this?” Blep whispered.

“Is that… real?” Glop asked in awe.

“Very real,” Ethan nodded. “There is so much more to explore beyond your pond. Just like how there is more to life beyond what we already know.”

The frogs’ laughter faded into thoughtful silence as they studied the pictures. Slowly, their curiosity bloomed into excitement.

“Maybe,” Glop said softly, “there’s more to the world than we thought.”

“And maybe,” Blep added with a smile, “exploring it could be fun.”

As the sun dipped below the treetops, Ethan packed his things and waved goodbye. The frogs watched him go, their minds buzzing with new possibilities.

And somewhere deep in Pinebrook Forest, two little frogs began to dream of a world much bigger than they had ever imagined. Just like many humans who dared to step outside their comfort zones, they were beginning to realize that the truth was out there, waiting to be discovered.