The next morning I pondered whether there would be just the two or whether there would be even more squirrels at my old home. Upon reflection I realised that there was no going back!
It was already well into autumn and reality hit me. I had no stocks of food for the winter.
I’d better find somewhere to stay immediately and gather some supplies before the start of winter.
In an unsettled state I journeyed until I reached a calm river…you know my love of rivers Milo.. at least this lovely spot gave me some feeling of refuge.
I began collecting food for the winter immediately. Initially energised by my adrenalized state, I collected a lot of supplies, but as the days passed, all enthusiasm drained from me.
I had been thrust into this situation unwillingly, uprooted from my home and happy life. Winter was approaching and with it colder weather. I was an outsider and I spent more and more time wondering what sort of life I would have here.
My state of mind became heavier over time. I sat for hours by the water, staring into the ripples, assailed by gloomy thoughts, questioning who I was and dwelling on my past, especially the incident with the squirrels. My mind kept whirling with endless questions, most beginning with ‘why?’………especially, why did this happen to me?
I was searching, looking for something inside. But I didn’t know what. My restlessness grew unbearable and I finally resolved to try and find some answers by setting off downstream. Although without a plan!
The journey started smoothly, but within a day the undergrowth became more and more dense. I kept following the river because it gave me a sense of and security. Eventually, moving forward became too difficult and I was forced to stop.
I crawled onto a tree stump, hoping to get a better view of the journey ahead, when I caught sight of an odd looking snout and tiny eyes that were barely visible, popping up from the earth. The mole then introduced himself. “I am Zig. Are you having trouble with the undergrowth?”
“Yes, I’m having some problems moving forward, which is why I’ve stopped to rest.”
“Maybe I could be of some help?” Zig offered.
We fell into an easy conversation with Zig leaning forward, listening intently. Much to my surprise, I found myself talking about the difficulties of my journey and the incident with the squirrels.
Zig was an excellent listener and possessed the ability of asking relevant, probing questions, which drew out my deeper thoughts and feelings.
Finally Zig suggested, “The undergrowth ahead is difficult to pass through, but I do know of a network of tunnels that run parallel to the river.” He motioned with his snout toward the tunnels, “I will do my best to help you find the solutions to your problems, Epic. However, the mole warned, “You must be ready to accept that it may take a long time until you find the answers. Much talk and deliberation will be required to do this.”
I gratefully accepted the offer. At this stage I had no qualms about what I was agreeing to. I believed that any chance to find the answers I was looking for had to be worth taking.