Gathering Time
“I have my den and tunnel all cleaned up,” said Quebite to himself. “I have a fresh bed all made up with leaves and straw. Now, for the next few weeks, I have to gather and store away as much food as I can to get me through the winter.”
Quebite knew there would be other animals out in the forest gathering up food as well. He knew he would have to be very careful because he couldn’t risk anyone seeing him. Quebite is an elusive creature and he intends to stay that way.
“I can’t risk the future of my species,” thought Quebite to himself. “People have questioned my existence because nobody has any proof that I exist and I want things to stay that way.”
During the daylight hours, Quebite stayed in his den. There were always a lot of people wandering through the forest looking for him during the day. He waited until the forest was pitch black before he ventured out. He realized there may still be people out and about so, he would still have to be careful.
While out one dark autumn evening, Quebite had his hands full of berries, nuts and tender leaves. He felt a tap on his shoulder. He froze and all the food went flying.
“I am sorry,” a voice behind him said. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Quebite was reluctant to turn around because he knew that when he did, his life would be over as he knew it. Slowly, he turned and he was face to face with a female Quebite.
“I an so glad it was you and not a person or an animal,” said Quebite.
The female Quebite laughed. Females are well-known for catching a male off-guard. They are notorious for sneaking up behind the males and scaring them out of their wits. Legend has it that this ritual makes a male much more akin to his surroundings.
“Here,” said the female. “Let me help you with the food you dropped. “
Legend also has it that if a female Quebite offers to help the male on their first meeting then those two Quebites will be together for the rest of their lives.
“You are now my Quebette,” said Quebite.
“Yes,” said Quebette. “I supposed that is true.”
Quebite and Quebette gathered lots of food together. It was fun for Quebite having Qubette around, because now he actually had someone he could talk to.
“This coming winter will be nice, ” said Quebite. “I will no longer be lonely.”
Moral of this Story:
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