Simple Words, Complicated Subject.

A possum is convinced he needs to try living wild. 300-word flash

Simple Words, Complicated Subject
 

“We need to talk,” Obiano said to Quinte. They were lingering over dinner.

“It’s plain something is bothering you. You can tell me, we are like brothers.”

Quinte sighed.

“You’re right, I’ve been longing for something.”

“Like what?”
“It’s like I miss the wild or something.”

“As far as I know you’ve never lived in the wild, you’ve always been a city dweller.”

“But I feel like I’m missing something.”

“Starvation, disease, no safe place to sleep; things like that you mean?”

“No, not those things! Maybe I’m missing what I never really had.”

“You could try living in the wild; like a vacation.

Quinte’s eyes brightened.

“Would you come with me?”

“No way, Jose! It’s nowhere near my thing, even for vacation!”

Quinte was downcast at first, but he perked up.

“I’m sure I can do it alone.”

“Maybe you should start with a long weekend. If you like it, you can go for longer another time.”

Quinte nodded at Obiano’s suggestion.

“What about this weekend?”

“Might as well, I certainly don’t want to experiment in the cold!”

“What will you take?”

“A day’s food, then I’ll see what I can find in the wild, I guess.”

Friday came and Quinte got busy getting food. He packed it all in a burlap sack to carry over his shoulder. By early Saturday, he was saying goodbye to Obiano.
As Obiano waved goodbye until he was out of sight, he was worried.

“That crazy ‘possum will never make it!” he told himself.

By night on Sunday, Quinte was back. Matted, dirty and hungry.

“Are you all right, buddy?” Obiano asked.

“Sure, but remind me to never do that again! City raccoons and possums should never take vacations. Cozy garbage cans and ready food are more our style.”