Slip 'N Slide Partners

Two Rhinoceroses were going to their friend’s house for a summer gathering. The two Rhinoceroses decided to meet up and head over together because they were friends and did everything together. Even if the two Rhinoceroses had decided to go to the summer gathering separately they would have just been waiting for the other to arrive anyway before they started having fun. So might as well just go together.

The two started walking when Ronaldo, the first Rhinoceros, turned to Reema, his friend, and said,

“Did you hear they’re going to try and have the world’s largest slip ‘n slide at the party?”

Ronaldo continued taking a few steps but turned and noticed that Reems had stopped dead in her tracks.

“What’s wrong?” Asked Ronaldo, confused.

Reema had a far-off look on her face, reliving something that must have happened to her in her memories.

“When I was in 5th grade,” Reema began, “I went down a slip ‘n slide but all I did was get a running start and slip... but I never slid. I just sat there. Everyone laughed. I was so embarrassed, I went to a doctor to see if there was something wrong with me. Like...”

Renea’s voice cracked --

“Like... maybe I have some sort of innate, inability to slide or something.” Reema began to weep.

Ronaldo was shocked. He had never heard Reema speak about this incident or the pain it had caused her. He certainly wouldn’t have mentioned the slip ‘n slide or even told her about the part at all! Now he didn’t even know what to do, he just wanted to comfort his friend.

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” Ronaldo said, “Do you not want to go to the party?”

Reema’s demeanor changed on a dime. She looked as if Ronaldo had just asked if her head was a globe.

“Will there be nothing else to do at this summer gathering other than slipping? N’ sliding?”

“I’m sure there will be,” Ronaldo answered, somewhat confused.

“Well then I just won’t slip ‘n slide,” Reema answered coolly as she started walking towards Ronaldo to continue their journey to the summer gathering.

The two continued walking towards the party. Ronaldo filed away this new information from Reema and noted that when he finally has the courage to ask her to marry him, he would stay as far away from Slip ‘n Slides for the rest of their lives.