Opinion

A Short Story

Sitting on the back porch just enjoying the cool evening while taking in the view of the pond. I noticed the chattering of the squirrel in the tree across the pond. The brisk breeze rustled the leaves on high. It brought back memories of the days at the hunting camps gone by.

   It was December between the last week of deer camp and Christmas. Some friends and I arrived at the lodge in midday. The camp had been shutdown for some two weeks.

   Two of us began bringing the groceries and gear into building. While hauling in the groceries the third began preparing the the old burnside potbelly stove to be started.

   The paper was crumpled and stuck in the stove. Then a few choice pieces of cardboard. As the kindling wood was added the fire builder paused and said, “there’s something in the stove!”

   I kiddingly teased, “ Oh, it’s probably just a field mouse. Just light it and he’ll run out of the bottom.”

   The match was lit and was on its way in when a growl came from the stove.

   The match holder jumped away from the stove door. 

   A soot covered gray squirrel jumped out of the stove and started running through the camp building.

   The squirrel jumped to the couch, then jumped away from us and was clinging to the slick pressed wood wall panels.

   The squirrel saw and ran for the glass window on the back wall of the building.

   The squirrel jumped for the sunny light of day! SPLAT! The squirrel dove for freedom and hit the glass leaving a soot outline of himself on the glass as he bounced off.

   The squirrel was okay but surprised.

   To get the squirrel out of the building, the others step outside out of the line of sight of the little sooty fur ball.

   I walked to one side of the quarters and as the squirrel saw the open door. The squirrel ran for freedom. Out of the door, across the porch, never slowing even entering tree line.

   This evenings rustling of the green leaves in the fall like breeze stirred my remembrance of hunts gone by. And friends with whom I have had the pleasure of sharing.

Thanks fellas you’re the best.

Lloyd Brightwell.