Indonesia
Tales of Two Little Squirrels
In a hole on a shady tree, lived a female squirrel with her two little juveniles. The first one was Chairil and the second was Anwar. The two little squirrels were still unable to feed themselves, therefore still need their mom to take care of them. One day, they run out of food supply. It’s been a few days since the mother last looking for food. It’s not as safe as usual, a lot of predator bird were hunting for prey. The mother was worried about the two little squirrel if she had to leave for food.
But since the food supply has ran out, the mother squirrel had no choice but to go hunting. Before she left, she urged the little ones to never leave the nest. The mother entrusted Chairil, the older squirrel to watch over the younger one, preventing him to wander around. So, Chairil and Anwar the younger one were left alone in the nest. The little squirrels were so scared that they didn’t even think of going out, just sit quietly in the corner of the nest. Fortunately the mother left some crumbs so Chairil and Anwar still have something to eat.
Chairil and Anwar spent the waiting time sleeping. When they were deep asleep, suddenly there was noise, “Kresek…kresek…kresek…” They both jumped from the sleep. Right away, Anwar took shelter behind his big brother. Chairil was freeze, couldn’t make any move but slowly taking steps back to the corner of the nest. They froze up there, unable to move a muscle. The noise wasn’t stopping, instead it’s getting louder. Anwar almost feint from scared. He started sobbing. Trembling, Chairil tried to calm his brother down.
“It’s oke, don’t cry. I’m here,” Chairil said to him.
But Anwar still sobbing, he was now shaking, he trembled.
“It must be the hawk, he wants to eat us. I’m scared!” Anwar squeaking.
“Maybe it’s not the hawk, stop seeing what’s not there,” Chairil replied.
Actually he was also shaking, after all, he too was only a little squirrel. But he still had to protect his little brother. The noise was getting more intense, as if there were more coming. Chairil and Anwar were getting more frightened. They hugged each other in the corner. Anwar’s crying was now getting louder. Chairil kept trying to calm him down but there’s no stopping him.
“Don’t cry, the hawks will hear you,” Chairil tried to talk him.
Upon hearing the words, Anwar’s crying escalated even more. “See? It’s the hawk out there and they are going to eat us!” Anwar kept squeaking.
Chairil was getting more confused now. On one side, he didn’t have a clue if the noise was hawks or not. Truth be told, he was scared to death himself. On the other side, he must calm his brother down. Eventually, Chairil mustered up his courage and moved to take a peek outside. Crouching, Chairil approached the entrance to their nest. Once he got there, very slowly, Chairil took a peek. Suddenly he screamed, “Go away, all of you!”
Anwar was shocked and terrified. He never imagined that his brother would have the courage to chase the hawks away. When the door opened, it all became clear. There was never any hawk, only some singing birds that were busy picking ants on the branch. The two squirrels breathed in relief now. At the very moment, the mother squirrel came carrying food. Chairil and Anwar welcomed her happily. More than the meal, the mother would look after them now. During having the meal, Chairil told what just happened to their mother. The mother squirrel laughed out loud while holding both her kids in her arms.
ILLUSTRATION: THINKSTOCKS PHOTOS
