Pak Ali sat at the edge of the pond and watched the fish. Tiny catfish darted between lotus leaves. One stayed hidden, peeking with just one wide eye.
Each morning, Pak Ali returned. 'Good morning, little friend,' he whispered. The tiny catfish slipped deeper under the leaf.
On the third morning, Pak Ali placed a yellow flower petal on the water. The catfish wiggled its tail but stayed hidden.
One bright morning, Pak Ali sat quietly. 'I will wait as long as you need,' he whispered. The lotus leaf trembled.
Slowly, the tiny catfish swam out from under the leaf. It hovered in front of Pak Ali's face, whiskers twitching.
Pak Ali held perfectly still and smiled. The catfish flicked its tail and darts a happy circle around his hand.
The catfish returned each day after that, swimming right up to the surface. Pak Ali knew it was time.
The pond sparkled. The catfish rested near the lotus leaf, and Pak Ali stayed, watching, happy.