Habitats

The aroma of the forest wafted over me as sunlight streamed through the overarching branches. Step by step I made my way, knowing the whole time that I was not alone. Friends were watching me, as they always are. In the desert. On the mountain. Through the snow. In the forest. They live there, and we just visit. I was walking through their habitat.

I know I have built where big paws tread. Little hoofs dig deep into the banks of the gurgling stream. I hear a splash. The are back, otters, my favorite of my little neighbors.

He peeked inside the window, probably confused as to why a big rock made out of trees and smelling like humans suddenly popped up on his land. I held my breath, seeing the fur dance in the breeze on his ruffled neck. When he moves on, I know that I have just met my landlord.

When this cabin was built, many creatures surveyed the process. They wondered and they puzzled. Some moved their families elsewhere to avoid contamination by the crazy new neighbors. Others just strolled by, acting nonchalant while secretly scoping out the gossip. None were so regal, though, as the great towering moose. He stared, and I stared back. Then he moved on his way. And I collapsed by my new fire pit, trying to calm my fervently racing heart.