Rodney the Chipmunk

Rodney stretched and yawned and then turned over onto his back and scratched his belly. He opened one eye to find his father standing over him. “Oh no” thought Rodney. “What did I do now?”
”Son,” said his dad.  “You know that your mother and I love you with all our hearts don’t you?” “Yes" replied Rodney, sitting up and staring back at his dad. He knew something was about to happen and felt the fur on his neck start to stiffen.

”This nest is just too crowded anymore and it is time you went out on your own.” He looked at Rodney  through his bushy eyebrows. “Now, I do not expect you to find a place right away but I do expect you to be honestly looking” he continued. Rodney didn’t know what to say. He was stunned. “But, But Pop.”  He cried. “Why do I have to leave? What about sis Rowena? She is the same age as me? Why she is even a few minutes older!”

”Now Rodney a young female munk does not belong out alone in this world!” He exclaimed. “Besides she will be marrying that nice young munk from the old Maple at the edge of the park soon. Now up and about young man.”
With that said ,Rodney’s dad slumbered out of the hole and off to search for food.

Rodney stretched once more and then ran off to find his buddy Ralph. He scurried down the family tree and off across the park grass, still wet with morning dew. “Ralph!” he cried. “OH Ralph ole buddy! Come on out and play.” Rodney ran over to where the grass  grew  tall by the bird houses but found no Ralph. He ran over to the tall statue in the center of the park and crawled through the flowers that circled the fountain. No Ralph. “Where in the world can that munk be? “ He thought. Just then he saw a tail above the grass of the biggest elm in the park. “I know that tail anywhere. “ He said .And off he ran.

”Hey Ralph. Why didn’t you answer? “He asked. “Huh?” what ya got there Ralph?” Rodney said while trying to see what Ralph had hid behind his back. “Aaa, it’s you Rod! You had me worried. I thought it was that pesky short tailed munk from the other side of the picnic area!” he said with a very gruff voice. “Look! “ Ralph stepped aside and there lying before them was the biggest acorn Rodney had ever seen.. "where did you find that?” Rodney said with a loud shout. “Quiet!” shushed Ralph. “Someone might hear you.”

The two chipmunks patted down a spot of grass and cracked open the acorn. They ate and ate and ate till their tummies ached. Then they laid down and took a nap. Later when they awoke, they found they could hardly move. “Ow!” cried Ralph. “I can’t get up! My belly is so full I can’t see my feet.” Rodney looked at Ralph and started to laugh a deep loud laugh but stopped in the middle to exclaim ”Ow! My belly hurts too! I think we ate too much."

 “Rodney “ said Ralph. “You help me up and then I’ll help you." Rodney thought about it a minute and then agreed. He pushed Ralph as hard as he could with his front paws but it hurt so much he stopped and rubbed his arms. “Ok, “ He said. “I’ll try another way.” He pushed with all his strength of his legs but just couldn’t budge his friend an inch. “I guess we’re stuck for a little while longer. And I am still sleepy so I will just lie here.” Rodney said. “We could end up here all night.” Replied Ralph.  And that is exactly what happened. They woke to the early morning light and rain drops plunking against their fur.

They jumped up and scrambled toward the nearest tree to find shelter. Up they climbed. Jumping from one branch to another until they were over half way up the big red oak. “Look!” Rodney exclaimed. “You can see my home nest from here. And there’s pop looking out the hole”. Ralph squinted toward where Rodney had pointed. “Yup. Your right. “He said.” I see your pop over there.”
Both began to yell at Rodney’s dad but they were too far for him to hear them. Just then Rodney spied a hole in the tree. “Look Ralph. A hole. We can maybe get dry in there.”

They scampered into the hole to find it empty except for a small pile of wood chips and a few leaves.  To the right and above the wood pile was a small hole. Light rays dancing in like a waterfall but not any rain. Rodney turned around and around till he was dizzy. Ralph laughed really hard at his friend as he tumbled into the wood chips. “This is it!” Cried Rodney. “This is perfect.”
Ralph stopped laughing and looked at Rodney with wonder. “What is it? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
"This morning my pop told me I need to get my own nest” explained Rodney. “And this one is perfect for me. It has a nice hidden door way, a window and a ready made bed.”

”So you’re going to to stay here bud?” asked Ralph. “Yes.” Replied Rodney. “I will go later and tell pop. But for now let’s get dry and smooth out that pile of chips for my bed.”

Later that day Rodney climbed the family nest tree one last time and told his mom and pop about his new home. Both were very happy for him. His mom insisted on giving him some cracked acorns as a house warming gift. His father gave him the piece of cloth he had found while out hunting to use as a blanket. His sister gave him a small bunch of fresh pine needles all neatly bundled together.

”Remember son” said pop.” If you need us we’ll be here for you. Now go and enjoy your new home.” He gave Rodney a hug and so did his mom and with nothing left to say, Rodney began his slow climb down the tree with his gifts and on to his very own nest.
 

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