She was only a week old but Gemma had found a drive for life. Her momma, Jen wasn’t feeling well so Gemma needed to find them some food. Jen told her little girl that she would find the best food near the pasture. But she had to be careful with the humans. Some of them are kind while others are not. Gemma hadn’t been to the pasture yet and had never seen a human, so it was going to be an adventure for her.
While Jen curled up in their hideaway home, Gemma set out to find some good food. This was the first time that Gemma ventured out more than twenty feet away from their home, so it was a little scary for her. The woods where they lived was thick and beautiful, and was always full of songbirds and wildlife. Gemma walked in the direction that her momma told her and enjoyed it at first. She listened to the various sounds of nature while she glanced around. She even stopped and watched a squirrel on a branch above her. It was enjoying a nut of some kind.
I wonder where he got that nut from, Gemma wondered. Still learning her surroundings, Gemma scanned the area. If I can find some nuts then I won’t have to go to the pasture today, she thought. Gemma looked under some bushes and up in the trees but didn’t see any sign of nuts. She walked a few more feet and still hoped to find some nuts, but no luck. The pasture was still a long way off so Gemma thought for a moment, and then changed her focus. I need to get some food for Momma so the pasture it is, Gemma decided.
While Gemma made her way through the woods, she smelled something familiar. She sniffed the air and followed the smell. It was even starting to make her belly rumble. A few more feet and she found the source of the delicious aroma. Oh, I could use a little snack, Gemma thought as she walked over to the patch of mushrooms. But while Gemma nibbled on one of the mushrooms, she was startled by a gravely voice.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” The voice said as he came out from under a large leaf.
Gemma backed up and stared at the creature.
“Who said that you could eat from my garden?” The small creature said.
“I’m terribly sorry sir but they smell so good,” Gemma said.
“Well, that’s because I use my own fertilizer. Who are you? Where did you come from?” The creature asked.
“My name is Gemma and my Momma and I live back that way,” Gemma motioned with her nose.
“Well, do you make a habit of eating out of other creatures gardens? The creature walked around looking at Gemma.
“Um, no. I’m sorry sir, I just got hungry,” Gemma watched his every move.
The small creature stopped in front of Gemma and looked into her eyes, “well, I guess you seem alright. My name is Opie. Go ahead, have a few more if you like.”
“Oh, thank you sir,” Gemma walked back over to the mushroom patch and ate a couple more.
“So, you seem very young, where is your mother?”
Gemma finished the mushroom that was in her mouth and turned to look at Opie, “my Momma isn’t feeling well today so she is home resting. I need to get to the pasture and get some greens for her.”
“She don’t like mushrooms? Mushrooms are good for her,” Opie said.
“Yes, she likes mushrooms, but we ate the ones that were growing near our home,” Gemma said.
“Ahh, I see,” Opie picked up a small mushroom and nibbled on it.
“Opie, may I ask you something?” Gemma said.
Opie looked at Gemma, “yes, what is it?”
“Well, I have never seen a creature like you before. What are you?”
Opie chuckled and then said, “yes, you are a young one. I’m a opossum. I sleep the majority of the day and roam mostly at night. But sometimes I get up for a bite to eat during the day.”
“Oh, well it is nice to meet you Opie. Other than my momma you are my first friend,” Gemma said.
“I’m your friend?” Opie cocked his head as he looked at Gemma.
“Sure, Momma told me that some nice animals can be my friends.”
“Well, I am delighted. Some don’t care to be friends with me because I sound funny. I can’t help the way my voice sounds,” Opie scratched his ear.
“Well, I have to admit that I was startled when I first heard and saw you, but that scare went away. I know that we are going to be great friends,” Gemma said.
Opie was happy to hear that he finally had a friend. He was going to make sure that his new friends mother gets to feeling better real soon.
“How about I go with you to the pasture. I can help you gather some greens for your momma,” Opie said.
“Sure, that would be helpful, thank you,” Gemma said.
So, Opie led the way because he had been to the pasture many times. Gemma followed behind him and asked him all sorts of questions. She asked him his age which at first he was reluctant to share. She also asked him how long he lived in the area. Opie told her that these woods have been the best home for him this past year. He said that where he was born, there was too much human activity. Gemma told Opie that her momma warned her about the humans.
“Yes, she said that some humans can be nice while others can be cruel,” Gemma explained.
“Yes, your momma is correct. So, stick with me and I’ll watch out for you,” Opie said.
This story might be just a few chapters but I’m not sure yet. Let me know what you think so far.
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This is really cute ! However, I'm concerned about Gemma being out and about on her own and her momma's health.
Love this. Reminds me a little of Uncle Wiggley.