Lake Xochimilco was clear and blue. Tiny waves danced across the surface, making the water sparkle like a soft blanket of light.
Axxi the axolotl was always looking for adventures.
He was a brave little explorer who loved swimming just a little further than his friends. He wanted to discover hidden corners of the lake and meet the most colourful fish he could find.
That day, Axxi swam towards a quiet part of the lake near a place where people sometimes came to fish.
The warm water was peaceful, and long strands of water plants swayed gently around him.
Axxi smiled and began playing hide-and-seek with a little charal fish named Charlie.
The two friends darted between the plants, laughing as they played.
Suddenly, Axxi felt something tighten around his tail.
“Oh!” he cried.
A thin fishing line had become tangled around him. A sharp hook was caught at the end.
Axxi and Charlie pulled and twisted, trying to free him, but the line was wrapped tightly.
A salty tear rolled down Axxi’s round cheek.
Charlie swam as fast as he could and tugged at the loose end of the line.
With one final pull, the fishing line came free.
Axxi’s tail was hurt, but he was safe.
“Oh no! Will your tail be all right?” Charlie asked.
Axxi took a deep breath.
“I think so,” he said. “Axolotls are very special. We can regrow parts of our bodies when they are injured.”
Over time, Axxi’s tail healed and grew strong again.
He looked at the abandoned fishing line resting on the lake floor.
“I wish people would take better care of their rubbish,” he said. “The lake is our home too.”
Then Axxi and Charlie swam back towards their friends, happy to be safe and together again.
