Luke’s stay at the Cloverleaf Countryside was going well. His life was simple, which he liked. He had all the basic necessities, food, water and shelter. Luke was always welcome to come over to the Hopscotch’s for a bath or just to use their toilet. Food wasn’t a problem either, the many trees in the countryside had plenty of nuts and fruit for him to eat. Water was easy to find, but the Tuxedo Cats and everyone else didn’t see it that way.
One morning the mother’s were having finger foods and lemonade at Teri’s Lakeside Lodge. They were discussing Luke, Luke’s mother had assured them that he was perfectly capable of taking care of himself, but they could not help but worry. “You think he’s cold?” wondered Natalie.
Heidi shook her head, “An evergreen’s leaves are thick and blocks out the wind. Even rain! I’m more worried about his diet.”
Natalie agreed, “Yes, yes, he’s scavenging for food! We should give him some proper meals.”
An idea sparked in Teri’s mind, “How about we take turns on feeding him? Just a meal a day, so his ‘training’ is still there, but it’s just enough so he won’t be walking around with an empty stomach.”
The mother’s agreed to this new idea and later that night, Natalie was discussing this with her husband, Mason. She told him everything and asked if he agreed. “That’s an excellent idea! Maybe Luke can also come by in the early mornings and pick out a bread?” he suggested.
Natailed smiled with joy, “Yes! That’s perfect, I will tell the chipmunk tomorrow.”
That morning, Natalie looked out the balcony.
Luke Hazelnut Chipmunk was walking towards Heidi’s house. Most likely, to use her bathroom, freshen up before leaving. Today Heidi would invite Luke over for a big breakfast and after that Natalie would offer bread. Teri said she would give Luke some lunch tomorrow, it would be pizza, lemonade and some potato salad.
At the Deluxe Village House, Luke was on his way out. He had used the restroom, cleaned himself up and was ready to get going. “Wait!” called Heidi, “Won’t you stay for some breakfast?”
Luke’s mighty appetite and him agreed and sat himself down at the table. Heidi smiled to herself and a feast began. First, Bell poured the guest a cup of hot water before serving two biscuits.
Then, Skip gave Luke a strawberry tart. Bellia cut the chipmunk a slice of pound cake. “This is preposterous!” Bellia stated, “He has to be full by now.”
Bellia was wrong for after the pound cake, Luke had 2 more slices, a chocolate tart and a steamed carrot before he left. “Thank you,” he managed to squeak out before he shuffled out the door.
Luke shuffled over to his house and enjoyed a peaceful swing ride, before Mason spotted him. Mason beckoned his wife to come out, as soon as he called Luke over. Natalie quickly shut the door and turned around to see Luke coming over to the bakery, Flour to Dough.
“Hello,” he greeted with his shy smile and adorable black eyes.
“Hello Luke!” said Mason and Natalie.
Natalie started explaining, “Luke, you’re welcome to take a bread anytime you want everyday. It’s a gift.”
“Yes, yes,” Mason nodded, “We wouldn’t want to leave you hungry. Now, we know you were sent here to be independent, but we still worry.”
Natalie continued where her husband left off. “You’re welcome to a free meal at anyone’s house too.”
“That sounds great! Thank you! May I pick a bread now?” cheered Luke in glee.
He pointed to a chipmunk shaped bread, placed on the higher shelves. “That one please.”
Natalie smiled and helped him get it and pretty soon, Luke thanked the couple before returning home to admire such a beautiful bun. Placed on the table, Luke now had dinner, he wouldn’t need to go out in the cold and find one himself.
That morning, Luke realized he probably should tell the mother’s that he couldn’t accept these kind gifts. Of course, he was grateful, but he should also follow the independence training. There, he saw the three mother’s walking around the Deluxe Village House and giving Henry a stroller ride.
“Excuse me,” Luke said, “I really do appreciate the good things you all have given me, but this would go against what my mommy and daddy told me, about me being here and living in a tree.”
Teri chuckled, “You don’t have to worry, little one, we sorted it out with your parents. They’re completely fine with it, you are 6 after all.”
Luke smiled happily and since then, he always knows there’s a hot meal and piece of bread waiting for him, thanks to the kindness of the villagers.
Hi Poshpear! You are such a wonderful writer and every sentence I read drew me closer to your characters and their unique personalities. I'm so happy Luke's parents agreed to let him have some of the food the generous mothers were offering. Great story!
- Emilie from the forum