The Bridge Over the River
The couple had lived for years in a small town split in two by a wild river. Long ago, someone had built a wooden bridge to connect both sides, but it had grown weak and dangerous with time. Still, people sometimes used it, hoping for a shortcut.
That afternoon, the man and his wife chose to take the bridge. The boards groaned under their steps, every sound making them tense. Below, the river thundered past — its swirling current strong enough to swallow even the best swimmers.
The Fall
They were about halfway across when a sharp crack split the air. The planks beneath their feet gave way. The woman let out a cry, slipping forward. Her husband caught her just in time, his arms straining as he tried to hold her back.
But the old beams were collapsing too quickly. Within moments, both of them were thrown into the rushing river below.
The Struggle in the Water
The freezing water hit them hard, stealing their breath. Waves pulled them into a spinning whirlpool. The woman gasped for air, but each time she rose, another wave crashed over her.
The man refused to let go of her hand. With one arm he fought the current, with the other he clung to her, determined to keep them both alive. At one point, he managed to grab a thin branch sticking out of the water, pulling her close so she could cling to it.
For long, painful minutes, they shouted for help. Their voices were lost in the roar of the river. No one was near.
The Unexpected Arrival
Then, from behind, the man noticed movement. He turned his head — and froze. A massive elephant was wading through the water toward them. Its giant frame loomed dark against the river, and for a moment it looked as if the creature meant harm.
The woman screamed, convinced it was the end.
But as the elephant drew closer, something astonishing happened.
The Gentle Rescue
The elephant extended its strong trunk toward them. At first, the man could hardly believe what he was seeing. But then he realized: the animal was trying to help.
“Take her first,” he thought, and pushed his wife closer. With surprising gentleness, the elephant lifted her onto its back. Then it reached for him as well, pulling him out of the water.
Shaking with cold and fear, the couple clung to the broad back of the animal. Step by steady step, the elephant carried them toward the shore, moving like a living island through the stormy waters.
Safe on Land
When they finally reached the bank, the man and woman scrambled onto solid ground. Their clothes dripped, their bodies trembled, but their hearts still beat.
For a moment, the elephant stood still, gazing at them with deep, calm eyes. Then, without a sound, it turned and walked back into the forest, as if nothing extraordinary had just taken place.
The couple remained frozen on the riverbank, unable to believe what they had just lived through.