My train wreck of thought was interrupted by the sudden silence that seemed to engulf the car. Then, a sound of powerful foot steps slowly approaching the car. I slowly turned my head so as to see the source.

From behind a tree came a vision of squirrelhood the likes of which no human has ever seen, or at least has never reported. I stared in awe as it slowly approached the car.

I can only describe this new player as a cross between squirrel and demigod—Hercules definitely comes to mind. Walking upright, “Herc” barely topped a foot in height. His build, though, made up for any vertical challenge. Muscles that any body builder would envy engulfed his tiny body, rippling under his fur as he moved.

Herc walked up to the window, stopped, and stared at my wife for a moment.

“Atrian,” he said quietly, his voice almost a whisper.

I turned and saw my wife staring fondly at Herc, as if she was seeing a long-lost friend.

“Darling,” she quietly, “it’s been a while.”