It is Best to be Prepared
“Chester!” cried Suzie Chipmunk, her tiny nose twitching with concern. “I really think we need to get all the acorns stored away for winter. It is starting to get quite cold out. I don’t want us to be waiting until the last minute. We both know how that works out.”
“Everything has been done already,” said Chester, puffing out his chest with pride. “I finished last week.”
“Oh!” cried Suzie, clapping her small paws together happily. “I am so happy to hear that.”
“I didn’t want to wait until the last minute this year,” said Chester, his whiskers twitching.
“It is a lot less stressful to be prepared,” said Suzie, her eyes sparkling. “You are the best brother I could ever have.”
“Awe, thanks Sissy,” said Chester, bashfully, giving her a huge hug. His bushy tail wrapped around her in a warm embrace.
“I think an acorn pie is in order,” said Suzie, her stomach rumbling at the thought. “I think this is a cause for celebration.”
“I agree,” said Chester, nodding vigorously. “I will go get some acorns.”
Chester picked out a few of the best, plumpest acorns while Suzie prepared the pie crust, her delicate paws working with practiced ease.
“I am going to have a nap until the pie is ready,” said Chester, yawning widely.
Chester had a fitful nap. He was tossing and turning, his fur ruffling with each restless movement. In his dream, someone had broken into the acorn stash, leaving him in a cold sweat. He was so relieved when Suzie woke him up and told him the pie was ready, the sweet smell of baked acorns filling the air.
“It looks like you didn’t sleep much,” said Suzie, concerned for her brother as she watched him rub his bleary eyes.
“I had a dream that someone had stolen our acorns,” said Chester, his voice still shaky.
“The pie needs to cool,” said Suzie, gently. “Why don’t you go check our acorns and make sure they are good? I know you won’t put your mind at rest until you do.”
Chester did exactly that, scampering to the stash. To his relief, the acorns were just fine. However, he noticed the door was wide open.
“I bet I didn’t close it when I got the acorns for the pie,” Chester explained to Suzie, scratching his head in embarrassment.
“I also think that your subconscious knew that and that is why you had such a fitful sleep,” said Suzie, patting his paw reassuringly.
“I think you are right,” said Chester, now relaxed enough so he could eat his piece of acorn pie.
That acorn pie was the best acorn pie he had ever tasted. Each bite was a warm hug of sweetness and nutty flavor. He made sure he thanked Suzie for it with a big smile on his face.
“You are welcome,” said Suzie, her heart swelling with joy. “I am just happy you are enjoying it.”
As they finished their pie, Chester looked out the window and saw the first snowflakes of winter gently falling to the ground. He smiled, knowing that they were well-prepared for the cold months ahead, and that he and Suzie had each other to rely on.
“Here’s to many more cozy winters together,” Chester said, lifting his empty plate in a toast.
“To us,” Suzie echoed, clinking her plate against his.
Moral of this Story:
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