Furry Tales: The Villiage Would Never Be the Same

By Pam Tinnes Lord

These friends will face new challenges that will test their skills, ingenuity, and resolve. How they deal with the danger posed by an intruder may surprise you. They will take chances to help and protect one another that gets them into and out of trouble. Because of their actions, you will gain insight into their depth of friendship, bravery, and inclusion. As you will learn, nothing stays the same, so come be a part of the adventure. This story is best shared and discussed. Talk about what you would do under these circumstances. Then, ask yourself, can one person make a difference?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662401879

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Furry Tales

The Villiage Would Never Be the Same

Pam Tinnes Lord

Copyright © 2020 Pam Tinnes Lord

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2020

ISBN 978-1-6624-0186-2 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-0187-9 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Trust

What Now?

Testing

Trouble

Home

Questions

The Way of Things

Truth Be Told

Where Can She Be?

You Wouldn’t Believe Me

Back Home

Surprise

Bonds

Found

You Want Me to Do What?

Just in Time

Just Had to Know

It’s Time

Why Would You do That?

Will It Work?

The Visit

The Future

Alarm

True to His Word

Too Good to Last

No Denying It

Yes? No?

To our daughter and son

Chris and Chuck

Acknowledgments

Without family and friends where would I be?

Special thanks to the following:

Boone Bartholomees

Jeanne Pearson

Marcia Wilkinson

Susan Banks

Gail Knisely

Dolores Deeg Shank

Trust

The villagers were a little nervous, and yet there was excitement in the air. You could hear it in their voices as they walked home. The council meeting had just concluded, and they were talking about new ideas concerning true acceptance. They realized to their amazement that tolerance was not the same as acceptance and inclusion.

Not everyone was happy. Bo, the white-tailed deer who stood in the back at the meeting, was mumbling under his breath, I don’t like the idea of having Fancy and her kits living in our village. They are meat eaters after all. I can’t prove it, but I think her kind caused my son’s death a few years ago. If it were up to me, she would not be allowed to stay.

Mr. Paul who, represents the squirrel clan, said, I thought we all understood that folks who accepted the terms of the agreement would be able to live here in peace. No questions asked. I realize now it was more of a truce rather than true acceptance. I must say, did you notice that Bo stayed in the back? I think he feels differently, having lost a son maybe to meat eaters, even though there was no real proof that the fox clan was responsible.

Bandit, the elder raccoon, raised his voice to be heard over the din of the conversation. Yes, you’re right. I noticed that as well. Even though everyone has agreed to do no harm to those who call this area home, there are doubts about what really happened to his son. He has very reluctantly excepted Fancy as a member of the village. And so far, there have been no problems.

No harm came to Lauren and her friends, and it brought up a misunderstanding about the complexity of the village. We are all different but have the same needs, said Mac, the elder spokesmen for the rabbit clan.

What are you trying to say, Mac? asked Don, spokesman for the chipmunk clan.

Maybe this will help. All of us want a home where we can raise our families in safety, have enough food for all and fresh water to drink. Not to mention the need to be heard about things that matter which affect us all. Oh yes, and for those that don’t have families, to know they are just as important, replied Bandit.

Just imagine if we all could meet as equals. Not only that but agree to hear what each has to say. How often have you found yourself thinking about a reply before you have heard all that was said? Far too often I’ll wager, expressed Mac.

If we could just see everyone as our youngest do! Wouldn’t that be something? said another.

Bo had joined the group at this point, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.

Well, that would be great, except, we express our dislikes and prejudices about others in the earshot of our young. Just imagine how that affects them and what they think, explained Bandit.

The big question is where and how do we start? After all, size shouldn’t matter. Just look at our Hue. He will talk to anyone about anything. He and Josh make a fine pair encouraging and making folks feel welcome, said Don the chipmunk.

Well, I think we should look for areas of similar interests. That way we would have something to talk about and ideas to share. To the surprise of the group, this came from Bo.

So, Bo would you agree to talk to Fancy? asked Bandit, wishing now he hadn’t been so blunt.

I still can’t bring myself to look at her. Even though I know there was no proof, maybe someday but not yet, Bo replied.

As the group walked on, Samuel, a red-tailed hawk, said to Moses, the great horned owl, This is going to be an adventure for sure. Imagine all the different villagers meeting and talking together when they’re out and about. It’ll be hard to break down old ideas and introduce new ones, of this I am sure.

Moses felt the excitement in the air and said to Samuel, pointing to the departing crowd, They have already started.

Just think, said Moses, of the many things they are going to experience and learn. Most important will be teaching them good listening skills. I would like to see them start there.

Listening skills? We all have ears. What’s your point? asked Samuel.

Yes, we all have ears, but do we really listen? How many times have you thought you knew what was going to be said only to find out you were wrong?

Not that many.

Moses asked, Are you sure?

After all, he knew Samuel was the quiet type.

Samuel shook his head. I do listen! Just try me.

Moses decided this was going nowhere and shrugged his shoulders.

Samuel’s thoughts were already on a different subject. Look at Lauren and me, we enjoy talking about flying, the sky, and its ever-changing moods. I’ve enjoyed having someone to share the joy of flying.

Have you offered to take anyone else flying? inquired Moses.

Well, no, I haven’t. I would if they asked me. After all, you just don’t walk up to someone and say, ‘Do you want to go flying?’ was Samuel’s take on the issue.

And why not? asked Moses.

I have thought about it, I really have. However, the thought of rejection is more than I can take. That’s why, explained Samuel.

Rejection, really? asked a surprised Moses.

Villagers come to you all the time. Lauren is the only one who visits me. It’s lonely being a bird of prey. I think I have some idea how Fancy feels.

Why not talk to her about it? It is something you may have in common, and she might like having someone to talk with about it, proposed Moses.

I might just do that, thanks, said Samuel, looking in Fancy’s direction.

No time like the present, replied Moses.

As Fancy was about to leave, she saw Samuel flying her way. Her first instinct was to crouch down. Then she had a defiant thought, Wait! I shouldn’t have to do that. We are equals, or any way, we should be.

Samuel landed near Fancy. He didn’t approach until Fancy acknowledged his presence. Is there something you wanted to see me about? inquired Fancy.

May I talk to you?

Why would you want to talk to me? Is this about Lauren? she inquired.

Why, no, it’s not. I was just thinking about your feeling left out and not being able to voice your concerns. Being a bird of prey, I too don’t have many friends. Maybe someday could we talk about it? What do you think?

Shared interests, isn’t that what Moses said? Neither of them had seen Lauren approach. When Lauren spoke up, both jumped at the sound of her voice.

You startled us; I wish you wouldn’t do that, said Fancy.

I’m sorry, but I saw my two new friends talking, and I wanted to be a part of the conversation. You’re talking about the flight, aren’t you? I just have to know, did you enjoy the flight? Where did Samuel take you? Was it a long flight? Did you find going in and out of the clouds fun? Are you and Samuel going to be friends too?

Lauren read the look of hesitation on Fancy’s face. On Samuel’s too, for that matter. Maybe they were not talking about the flight. I’m sorry if I interrupted. Should I go? Lauren asked, hoping the answer was no.

Fancy sat down and indicated Lauren should sit next to her. It is clear to me you love to fly.

Absolutely! said Lauren, vigorously nodding her head.

Samuel smiled; he realized just how much he enjoyed taking Lauren flying and sharing his knowledge of the sky.

Fancy noticed the look on Samuel’s face. Realizing they shared a special bond, and without knowing why, she wished for it too.

Samuel was hoping to talk to me about a thing we might have in common. Maybe some other time, Samuel. I need to get back to my kits. At their age, I can’t leave them for long. Especially in this cold. Maybe we can meet tomorrow.

Who, Samuel or me? asked Lauren.

Well, maybe both of you was Fancy’s answer.

May I come home with you now and meet the kits? asked Lauren.

Fancy looked at Lauren, hoping she would understand what she was about to say. I am not sure that’s a good idea. Besides, won’t your parents and friends wonder where you are and worry about you? There will be so much to talk about after the meeting. I am sure they will want to hear what you have to say, especially after befriending Samuel and me, pointing to Samuel.

Fancy couldn’t read the look on Lauren’s face. Lauren had totally forgotten all about Josh, Carolyn, and Mic, and yes, even the talk of inclusion. Lauren was sure they knew where she was. I would much rather meet the kits. With her paw to her chin, Lauren considered the idea.

You are probably right. I guess I should head home too, said a reluctant and dejected Lauren.

She was not happy about not being invited to accompany Fancy home. Maybe she didn’t want me to come because of Samuel. She was sure her friends knew where she was. I guess Fancy wouldn’t want them all to come, reasoned Lauren.

Fancy’s main concern was one of building trust before disclosing the location of her den. No way was she going to share the location of her den with Samuel there.

Yes, the talk at the meeting of inclusion and learning more about the villagers was very encouraging. She wondered, would Bo ever talk to her. Maybe, but most likely not for a long time. She was not to blame for his son’s death; however, nothing she said would convince him otherwise.

Samuel aside, she pondered the idea of Lauren becoming part of her family. The thought sent a chill up her spine, which she could not explain. There was a lot to be concerned about. Would her kits accept the stranger? In their playfulness, would they hurt Lauren? After all, their young teeth are very sharp. Then again, maybe at this young age, it would be easier. They would be a bit shy, and that might be a good thing. But something told her not just yet.

Lauren, trying to read the look on Fancy’s face, whispered in her ear, If you are worried about my revealing your den location, I won’t, I promise!

Samuel realized this didn’t involve him. Ladies, why don’t I leave you. Fancy, we can talk later. It was more of a question than a statement.

Once Samuel had taken off, Fancy lay on the ground with her head in her paws so she would be face to face with Lauren. Then she very gently reached over and took hold of Lauren’s face. Much to Lauren’s surprise, she drew her nose to nose. She looked straight into her eyes and said, I am not willing to take that chance at this time. I hope you can understand.

Lauren thought, I do, and yet, I don’t understand.

The look that came over Lauren’s face told Fancy she was hurt. Will you trust me and give me time to think about your eagerness to be a part of my family? Fancy wanted to know.

Lauren realized she had no choice but to accept the delay. Saddened but also somehow encouraged, Lauren nodded her head as she acknowledged Fancy’s request.

Lauren really liked the way Fancy touched her. There was a gentleness to her touch that was very calming.