Cleo flicks her tail in circles in a warning. “I have to report this to Mr. Smith, you know.”
You nod in understanding. “You know what I need to try and do.” She nods and darts off through the trees as you make your way cautiously back down toward the mother and child.
You get low enough for them to see you clearly. You flick your tail a couple times to make sure you have their attention.
“You understand me?” you ask hesitantly.
The child sucks on his finger and nods yes.
You grab your tail in your paws and groom it a bit in your nervousness. “I’m sorry. I was aiming for the treat and missed.”
“How could you not see it?”
“Who are you talking to?” the mother asks nervously, as she can see he’s looking at you and you’re replying to him, but all she’s hearing is chitters, chatters and other squeaks coming from you.
“To the squirrel, Mommy.”
“My name is Aldin. What’s yours?” you flick your tail briefly in a question mark, which gets the kid to giggle.
“He says his name is Aldin, Mommy. Mine’s Timmy.”
“Timmy,” you reply.
Now the mother is openly staring at you. “I can’t believe it. I just heard you say, ‘Timmy’.”
Now your tail twitches about nervously. “Now you understand me too, Mam?”
She nods, staring in disbelief. “You’re making squirrel noises, but I understand it. What’s going on?”
“Let me guess, you kissed his wound to help make it better, right?”
“Yes, right after you bit him and darted back up the tree.”
You sigh. This wasn’t good. “I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of time to explain if you and Timmy don’t want to wind-up an exhibit like me. You’d best make for the nearest exit.” You point with your tail behind and to your right. “Which is that way.”
“But I wanna know how you couldn’t see the snack, Aldin.” Timmy pleaded.
“You don’t have much time, but that’s quick to explain. Look where my eyes are—they aren’t in front of my head like yours. Do you pray at night before going to bed?”
Timmy nods.
“Well, hold your hands up like you’re praying.” You hold your front paws up and he mimics you. “Good. Now spread your hands out part way like this.” Again you show him and he follows your example. “Now can you see directly in front of your mouth?” He shakes his head no. “Because of where my eyes are, I can’t see there either if I’m looking straight ahead.”
“Now, both of you need to get out of here. I’ll show you the way.” You dart from branch to branch leading the way to the exit. Timmy and his mother follow you as quickly as they can.