The Last Acorn

This is a story about a lone squirrel, at least that is what he thinks. Until one day while gathering some acorns he spies another squirrel, but not quite like him.

        The Last Acorn

         Chapter One-

        The Gathering

Spring had finally come to the hollow, flowers were in bloom and people came out in flocks. After a long harsh winter they were happy to see some sun shining, and to get outside to take in the sites.

Even the animals were happy to have winter over. The one lone squirrel, Georgie was eating the last remnants of food, he had gathered to tide him over during the cold winter months.

So when he felt it was safe enough to venture out the squirrel scurried down the tree he called home. At times he was real lonely. And when food was in short supply, he could rely on this one woman to leave scraps of bread out for him, and the birds nearby.

As Georgie scurried around he thought he spied another squirrel. He squinted his eyes, then rubbed them and sure enough there it was. One of his kind, except different. His tail seemed bushier, and he had something sitting on top of his head. He was curious as to what it was, as no other animal wore anything on their heads.

Georgie stood in the bushes and watched with earnest curiosity. The other squirrel scurried back and forth as if looking for something.

“Maybe he could use my help!” Georgie said to himself.

He started to go out toward the other squirrel, when a noise behind him gave him a start. He jumped, then turned to see a ball roll into his hiding place. He backed up right before a child retrieved the toy ball. Luckily he wasn't noticed, and turned to see where the other strange looking squirrel went to..... but he was gone, no where to be seen.

So Georgie went to where a big acorn tree grew, to see if any acorns were left after the harshness of winter was gone. Luck would have it there were a few, so he ran up the tree and began to gather them. Soon he had so many, he could barely open his mouth. He was in heaven, and couldn't wait to get back home and eat at least one.

To Georgie it was a real treat to eat a sweet acorn, especially after a cold long winter. He hurriedly scurried back and forth until he arrived at his lonely home. Once inside he took one by one out of his mouth, examining each one to see if any had defects. Then as he took the last one out he smelled it. Again he was in bliss, it brought him back to when his Grandma was alive and told him “ The best acorns were ones with a wonderful scent!”

Georgie slowly cracked open the acorn, taking a small bite and relished the taste. He sat in his chair made from twigs, straw and soft goose feathers eating. As Georgie ate the sweet treat, he began to miss his family. They had been getting sick from the toxic chemicals the Park maintenance workers used on the trees. Yet since the budgets being cut, they stopped spraying the Hollow, and things were again thriving once again.

Even kids who were not allowed to play here for fear they would get sick and die- but none ever did. Soon the city left the Hollow alone, and all the trees were coming back strong. Even the birds were heard chirping more, showing they were happy.

When Georgie was done he went to a knothole where he could watch the world in safety. Parents were always yelling at their children to stay away from those nasty dirty disease ridden squirrels. Claiming they would get sick, if they had gotten bit by one. They instilled fear of all the animals that lived in the Hollow. Now he was all alone in this grand Hollow.

Just then he saw a bob popping up, and wondered what was going on down below. He sat watching to see what this strange bird was alerted for- but nothing happened. And soon the chill was back, and he knew the people would be leaving. The night would be a welcome time after the sweet treat from the acorn he ate earlier. Georgie curled up in bed and soon fell fast asleep.

Author's Note

Enjoy!

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Great story! If I might just interject some constructive advice, "he himself" is a repetition and "Parents were always yelling at their children to stay away from those nasty dirty disease ridden squirrels. Claiming they carried all kinds of diseases if you got bit by one." and I think the second line here could be dropped for the same reason. Just a thought. I really liked the enviromental message here. Really, what chance is there of being bitten by a squirrel? lol Unless it's that Mississippi Squirrel that Ray Stevens used to sing about. lol