SHELTER
The Insects crawling over the leaves resonated to me like a troop of buffaloes. One or two birds dove to catch prey or fruits. The bird’s wing feathers whistled as they descended. Not any other animal became as visible. I longed for a friendly face. Even that of those who warned me against my present choice of housing. I avoided the dry twigs or dead foliage. The noise would carry a great distance. I stooped so my shadow or profile will not give me away. Silence reassured me, but I dreaded their return. As I returned to our home, I scanned the space close to the entrance. My fear did not abate until I passed the entry. I squeezed myself through the opening. The sharp bend in the key passage foiled the access of anyone bigger than us. Indeed, we found the new dwelling safer, but food scarcer to find. My dear mate waited. She tried hard to hide her dread of my search for fare. I rubbed her back and groomed her brown hair to ease her cares. I called her Fuzzy. She disliked...