Never Smile at a Crocodile

A story of peaceful afternoon walks, a lost family heirloom and a stalker.

Dotted along the banks of the Burdekin River are farms and homesteads. Those fortunate enough to have a property on the river enjoy access to the riverbed for most of the year. Water carved dunes, groves of paperbarks and prime fishing make the Burdekin River a diverse playground for the adventure enthusiast.

Maria and George had lived by the river for over 40 years. Their three children, now adults, spent much of their youth exploring, constantly getting into all sorts of mischief. They were often gone from morning to dusk, only returning home for food and supplies. Maria lived in fear that one day they wouldn't come home. Having moved from Italy as a child, Maria’s father had warned her and her siblings sternly of crocodiles; to this day, she was terrified. George assured her the children were safe, “No crocs in this part of the river love.”

Often busy, tending to children and then grandchildren, working the farm and providing nourishment for a growing family, Maria and George didn’t have much time during their day-to-day for recreation. But as time passed, the grandchildren grew and they found themselves idle-handed. George enjoyed an afternoon walk down the river and often asked Maria to join him. Finally, after 40 odd years, she agreed, and the husband and wife set off, hand in hand, on a late afternoon walk. Maria was astounded by the birdlife, the beauty of the soft afternoon light and the peace it brought her. And so, the duo continued their afternoon walks, often hand in hand.

One afternoon, on returning from their walk, Maria realised one of her rings was gone. She had lost a little weight from all the walking, and her rings weren’t as snug as they once were. She was devastated. It was her great grandmother’s, gifted to her by her mother before she passed. Something of great sentimental value and something she had hoped to pass on to her own daughter. Adoringly, George spent the next few days walking their path, searching for Maria’s ring. He knew his time was limited with the ever-changing river. On day three, he borrowed a metal detector and set off to find Maria's ring. “I’m feeling lucky,” he said as he kissed her goodbye.

As he was walking their path, not too far from the water, he felt an eerie sense he was being watched. He looked around, thinking Maria may have come to join him. She was nowhere to be seen. He continued. George heard a slight rustle behind him; thinking it was Maria, he turned around with a smile. It wasn’t Maria. It was an 8ft crocodile hot on his tail.

George hasn’t moved that quick in years. When he got home, Maria greeted him at the door, “No luck, dear?”. George responded, “I didn’t find the ring, but I still feel lucky.”

To this day, Maria’s ring has never been found, and George has never told her of the day he smiled at a crocodile.