Friends and Neighbours

Parker needed to rethink what they’d been doing to gather food. Knowing they were late, they had moved so quickly and here they were empty handed after a full day of looking. The chill of the coming winter was already in the air.

Parker sat down on a bench in what the humans called Somerset Square (even though it was clearly a triangle). Worry and sadness overwhelmed Parker who suddenly felt very lonely. Parker began to whimper and then cry. What seemed like just a short moment later, Parker looked up and realized they were not alone. A small crowd had gathered.

A flock of seagulls and pigeons stepped forward first. “We saw how hard you were trying. Rough day. Tomorrow will be better. Take these for now.” They all dropped seeds in front of Parker.

“And this,” said the shop worker with the broom, handing over a jar of peanut butter.

“And these,” said a scurry of squirrels, each one dropping several acorns at Parker’s feet.

“And this,” said an elderly man, setting a tupperware container of chili next to Parker on the bench and adding quietly, “It won first prize.”

Surrounded by the kindness of these friends and strangers, Parker felt sure that tomorrow would in fact be better. That they would be ready in time for winter thanks to the neighbourhood they called home.

THE END

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Like this adventure? Help your neighbours by donating to the TASTE the LOVE for Parkdale Food Centre fundraising campaign!

Lost? Find your way with the complete TASTE Adventure Story Walk Map cheatsheet.

Download this colouring sheet of Parker the Squirrel! Colour it and bring it to Merry Dairy to be entered to win a pint of ice cream!