Disclaimer

The events portrayed in this story are fictional and any resemblance to actual events and/or people is purely coincidental. This story is copyrighted material with all rights reserved. It may be reproduced, duplicated or printed for personal use only. For all other uses, please contact the website administrator.

What is Copyright Protection? http://www.whatiscopyright.org/

********** ********** **********
Raccoons in the Suburbs

By Steven S. Andersen

********** ********** **********
Once upon a time a family was gathering for the Morning meal.

“Tom, go and wash your paws and set the table. Ask your sister to help me,” said Mom.

“Yes Mom. KATE, HURRY UP! MOM WANTS YOU IN THE KITCHEN,” Yells Tom.

In a stern voice Mom says, “Tom, don’t yell in the house. Next time just go to your sister and talk to her like I asked.”

“Sorry Mom. I’ll go talk to her now,” says Tom.

“Please hurry. Dinner is almost ready,” says Mom.

It had been a busy night for the Raccoons but it was not the first. Everyone had brought something to the kitchen for Mom to cook and had washed it before hand. That made Moms job a lot easier.

Mom and Dad wanted the whole family to eat together before bed. This was no small request as everyone usually ate on the run after stealing the food from an open food source instead of actually going and catching the food as nature had intended. Living near suburbia had dulled their hunting instincts and they went to the easiest source of food.

Tonight was special because it was the first week in their new home. They found it under a patio in a suburban back yard. They found it just in time because the weather was turning cold and winter was only weeks away.

“Sorry I’m late Mom, I lost track of time,” said Kate.

“Keep an eye on the sky next time. Now help me bring the food to the table. Tom is the table set,” said Mom.

“It’s ready,” said Tom

“Get your Father and tell him dinner is ready,” said Mom

“OK,” said Tom

Tom goes out and finds Dad at the entrance to their new home.

“Mom says dinner is ready,” said Tom

“I think it is going to rain this morning. The wind is blowing from the south and dark clouds are coming in. The sun rise was with a red glow,” said Dad

“Will we get wet,” asked Tom.

“We’ll be fine,” said Dad confidently.

Dad and Tom go inside to find the table filled with the food they had gathered. Mom and Kate are busy making final preparations. Dad goes and washes his paws and returns to the head of the table.

“Are we ready,” said Dad.

The rest of the family gathers around the table with Dad.

“Bless this food and see us through another day,” says Dad.

“Dig in and be polite,” says Mom.

Everyone starts to eat from a plate in the middle of the table. They were all very hungry and the food is eaten quickly without discussion. After they finish they all lick and wash their faces feeling satisfied.

“Dad says it’s going to rain this morning,” says Tom

“First storm of the winter and we are in our new home,” says Mom.

“Tom and Kate, Time for bed,” says Dad.

Tom and Kate leave the table and go to their room. They had there own bedroom away from Dad and Mom, which was a first for them. They had slept as a family for so long that being separated from Dad and Mom still seemed strange. Father and Mother went to their bedroom and curled up together and went to sleep.

Outside it began to rain. It was a light rain at first but it was growing in intensity. Tom and Kate were asleep till they were awoken by a strong sound of thunder. They had never heard this before and were frightened by the loud rumbling sound. They quickly went to Dad and Moms bedroom and pawed at them for attention.

“What’s going on? Why are you both here,” said Dad.

“Were scared by the loud rumbling sound outside,” said Tom.

“What sound,” said Mom.

Just then a loud clap of thunder shook the ground and Tom and Kate pawed at Mom and Dad for comfort.

“Its just thunder,” said Mom.

“Can we sleep with you tonight? We promise to be quite,” said Kate.

“OK, OK. Just be quite and keep still,” said Dad.

The family curled up together and slept.

A few hours later water began to seep into the new house as the storm continued. Nobody noticed because they were all asleep but soon the water began to pool and the family became uncomfortable and woke up.

“I’m cold and wet,” said Kate.

“Were all cold Kate dear, “said Mom.

“Let me check out the rest of the house. Everyone just stay here,” said Dad.

Dad went around the house and found the rest of the house was dry. He went outside and saw that a stream of water was on one side of the patio causing the water in their bedroom. He went back inside to the family.

“Dads back,” said Tom.

“The rest of the house is dry and will be OK,” said Dad.

“What’s the problem dear,” said Mom.

“There is a stream on the patio making our bedroom wet but it’s just on the right of the house. The rest of the house should be OK. Lets all sleep in the other bedroom for now,” said Dad.

“You heard your Dad, everyone to the other bedroom,” said Mom.

The family went into the other bedroom, curled up together for warmth.

“I like sleeping together,” said Kate.

“Me too,” said Tom.

“Go to sleep my children,” said Mom.

Soon the family went to sleep in their suburban back yard home.

The End