Milo the Mole and the Hidden Town

The stream was so useful that the moles started calling it the Wash-Water River. They washed cups, plates, and even muddy boots beside it. Milo watched the water sparkle and thought, “It looks like a bath!” Before anyone could stop him, one mole stepped into the stream for a quick bath. The water swirled around his paws, and he sighed happily. Then a shadow zipped under the surface—fast! A piranha popped up with big teeth and a grumpy face. Another piranha splashed beside it. Soon a whole group of piranhas churned the water, acting very aggressive and snappy. Max grabbed a long wooden dish-brush handle like a helper pole and gently pulled the bathing mole back to the dry stones. “No baths today,” Max said, steady and calm. Milo scooted behind Mayor Mabel’s vest, peeking out. Mayor Mabel held up her map and spotted a side channel from their detour tunnel. “The piranhas are following the strongest flow,” she said. “If we give them their own route, they won’t need our washing spot.” The moles quickly built a “Fish Only” gate with rocks, metal plates, and mashed potato seal in the cracks. They opened the new channel, and the water whooshed that way. The piranhas swam after it, splashing, then disappearing down the side tunnel. The Wash-Water River became calm again, like it was taking a deep breath. Everyone cheered, and the bathing mole promised, “Next time, I’ll use a bucket bath!” Milo noticed tiny fish-scales glittering on a rock and wondered, “Where did those piranhas come from?” to be continued.