“I’m going to build a bridge” announced the Engineer, as he adjusted his hard-hat and bright orange vest. “I’m going to build a beautiful big bridge that everyone will have a fondness for”.
“That’s wonderful” said the Architect “let me help you make it the most marvellous and adorable bridge in all the land”.
The Banker smiled and said “I think the bridge will make it much easier for the people Over There to travel to Over Here, and vice-versa for the people Over Here to travel Over There”.
The Banker became more animated “if it only takes a third of a year to build and costs 9, we will all be very happy!” And he smiled and cheered. They all ate raspberry sponge cake together, and spent the rest of the afternoon playing with balloons.
At first, Water too was delighted.
“Blessed be the gentle people” she said “because my serum lacks odour and colour, they are building an arch to protect me! How kind they are, how thoughtful”.
But Tree was less impressed.
“My dear sweet girl” he said with his wizened old voice. “I fear they may not be protecting you at all”.
“But why on earth not?” asked Water “I bathe them and I cleanse them. I fertilise their crops. I feed their young while they guzzle me. Why would they not safeguard me?”
Tree said “I don’t know”.
“But you are in danger, my young friend, in great danger indeed. I worry about the dust and the debris, the paint and cement. Steel, iron, and stone are not good for you. Even a floating bridge would bring you dangers. Even timber itself”.
Water understood his concern and wanted to cry. But she suddenly found that she couldn’t.
She scowled and said “I will ruin this bridge before the sun-sets on its first day! It will take a third of a year to make, but only a second or two to break. I will flood that bridge with my anger, freeze it with my lack of love, and rust it with rain. I will make the land slide to cover it and we will never see it again”.
So Water set about the destruction of the bridge and the people were not happy.
Shorter than me 
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