A brief argument ensued over who, if anyone, was going to prove or disprove the accusation that drinking more river water would make them grow larger and more developed.
Eventually, after much disbelief, John turned to Margaret as she sat by the river. "Look!" The fox barked. "You're the one who says this growing nonsense happens. *You* prove it for us!"
"Me?" Margaret's eyes went wide. She pointed to her chest for emphasis. "But I already know it works, and besides, I've already taken a heavy dose. Who can tell what happens when you drink too much!" She paused, gulping. "Aren't I big enough already?"
"Aha! See?!" John stood triumphantly. "She's lying."
The moose shook her head worriedly. "No, I'm not. If you feel that strongly... fine." The giant animal stood. "I'll prove it once and for all. But I do so under protest!" She took a deep breath, and whispered to herself. "I hope I'm not overdoing it."
Wading into the river, the moose found her footing on the rocky floor of the river and stood chest deep in the water. She let out her breath, feeling the cool water flowing around her, then gently bent over to begin lapping up the water.
Laura and the foxes watched in anticipation, eyes wide, nervous. The moose really did believe that something awful might happen to her.
After several large gulps of water, Margaret stood up and paused, looking down at herself, waiting. Nothing. "I had to get a big drink in me last time, maybe now that I've grown I need even more to get it going." With that, she plunged in again, taking several heavy thirsty gulps in her great mouth.
Raising for a second time, she looked down in anticipation and shook her head. "Maybe more. I don't think I feel anything yet."
"Are these theatrics *really* needed?" John whined, snorting his disgust.
As Margaret went down a third time she took even bigger gulps of water, almost drowning as she greedily drank. She raised up a final time, sputtering for air, and looked down. Nothing had changed. "Hmm. Maybe I'm just as big as I can get." She stepped out of the river and hung her head sadly. "Maybe one of you should try it. I swear, it does work!"
Laura sighed. "Well, it doesn't seem to be affecting you at all. Maybe it was a one time deal, or... or perhaps it..."
"Uh, Laura?" Sandy gasped nervously, stepping back. "I... I think something's happening to her."