The story begins after Trevor and his mother move to Eden Park, a coloured neighbourhood in South Africa. At first, Trevor’s mother brings home two black cats. But many people in that area believe that black cats are connected with witchcraft and bad luck.
One evening, Trevor and his mother return home and find that both cats have been killed. Someone has also written the word “Heks” on the front wall of their house. “Heks” means “Witch.” This incident shows the blind beliefs and unfair ideas of the people living around them. After this painful event, the family decides not to keep pets for some time.
Later, a woman working with Trevor’s mother offers them two puppies. Trevor’s mother brings the puppies home, and Trevor becomes very happy. The puppies are named Fufi and Panther. Panther becomes Trevor’s mother’s dog, while Fufi becomes Trevor’s pet.
Fufi and Panther are sisters. They love each other and protect each other. At the same time, they also fight with each other sometimes.
Fufi is beautiful, clean, playful, and full of energy. Trevor loves her very much and sees her as his close friend. Panther is not as beautiful as Fufi, but she is clever and quickly responds to commands.
The family thinks that Fufi is foolish because she never comes when someone calls her. Whenever Trevor calls Fufi, Panther runs to find her. Then both dogs come together.
Later, a very sad incident happens. One night, a burglar tries to enter Trevor’s house. During the break-in, the gate falls on Fufi and breaks her spine. Trevor’s family quickly takes her to the vet. But her injury is very serious, and she cannot be saved. So, the vet has to end her life to stop her pain.
During this incident, the vet tells the family an important truth. Fufi had been deaf all her life. The family then understands that Fufi was not foolish. She simply could not hear anyone calling her.
They also understand that Panther had always been helping Fufi. Whenever Trevor called Fufi, Panther went to her and guided her back. Panther had quietly helped her sister understand what was happening around her.
Before her death, Fufi was very active and adventurous. During the daytime, the dogs were kept in the backyard. The backyard had a wall that was five feet high.
But every day, when Trevor and his mother came home, Fufi was waiting outside the front gate. Trevor could not understand how she came out of the backyard.
One day, Trevor secretly watches Fufi. He sees her jump over the five-foot wall. He then follows her on his bicycle to find out where she goes.
Fufi travels through many streets and enters another house. Trevor goes to the gate and tells a boy there that his dog is inside their yard.
But the boy calls Fufi by another name, Spotty. He says that she is his dog. Trevor becomes shocked and angry.
Trevor calls Fufi, but she does not respond because she is deaf. At that time, Trevor does not know that she cannot hear. He feels helpless, hurt, and cheated.
The other boy and his family believe that Fufi belongs to them. Trevor argues with them, but they refuse to accept his words. Trevor runs home crying. He feels heartbroken because he thinks that Fufi loves another boy.
To Trevor, Fufi’s love for another family feels like a betrayal. He believes that she has chosen another boy instead of him.
That evening, Fufi does not return home because the other family locks her inside their house. Trevor and his mother go back to that house to bring her home.
Trevor’s mother collects proof to show that Fufi belongs to them. She takes Fufi’s photographs, veterinary records, and Panther with her. She shows these things to the other family.
At last, Trevor’s mother gives the woman some money and brings Fufi back home.
Even after Fufi returns, Trevor continues to feel sad. He feels that Fufi has cheated him by loving another boy and another family.
Then his mother explains the truth to him. She tells him that Fufi has not betrayed him. Fufi still loves Trevor. But she also has her own life.
Fufi’s love for another boy does not mean that she loves Trevor less. She can love more than one person.
This becomes Trevor’s first experience of heartbreak. From this incident, he learns an important lesson:
“You do not own the thing you love.”
Trevor understands that love does not mean ownership or control. The people and animals we love have their own freedom, feelings, choices, and relationships.
Thus, “Fufi” is a simple but powerful story. It teaches us that true love is based on trust, freedom, understanding, and acceptance. Love becomes meaningful only when we respect the freedom and individuality of others.>
Prepared by: Sindhu P., HSST English, GGHSS Kallai, Kozhikode
HSE English 4 U
PROLOGUE .FUFI 2.SO MUCH HAPPINESS 3.AN ANGEL IN DISGUISE 4.A DRAUGHT OF KINDNESS 5.OZYMANDIAS 6.CLASSIC CARS -POETRY ON WHEELS 7.A RETRIEVED REFORMATION 8.WOMEN'S WORLD 9` THE WINDOW IS BLURRED 10.WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD 11.CAT IN AN EMPTY APARTMENT 12.RADHA,JUST RADHA 13.LET'S LIVE WITH THEM 14.ACROSS THE GRAVEYARD OF SHIPS 15.THE TROUBLE WITH EGGS 16.DESIGNING DREAMS