Rusty Opossum

       It had been a cold last few days.  The snow accumulating upon the ground several days before had not been given a chance to melt.  With nights and days both hitting record temperatures below zero, Rusty Opossum stayed curled up in a ball to keep warm.  Generally always Rusty spent his nights on the prowl for food.  But in his safe shelter under someone's porch, Rusty decided just to sleep in.  It was now the third day and hunger was hitting hard.

      “I am so hungry,” he said.  “I am so weak.  I need food”               

       His lack of strength would hardly give him long to search.  How had he allowed himself to get so hungry?           

       Finding food would be hard especially in the daylight.  He always hid himself well in the safety of darkness. He had to go out now in the day time as he had no choice.                                                             

      “Where will I go first?”  And then; he paused and smiled, “The cat dish put out by a property owner to feed strays.”                

       He had stumbled upon it at night.  It was seldom that much was left of it with cats eating from it all day long.  But there was a chance there would be plenty now with daylight.                 

       “I'll try there first,” he said.  

        Things seemed so much different in the daylight.  He had to be more cautious as he did not know what dangers may lay ahead.  But from memory, he found himself standing over a dish full of cat dry food.  The owner had put out plenty.  He immediately began eating.  He was so involved into filling his empty stomach that he did not hear someone come up behind him.                  

        “Hey there, Mr. Opossum.  You sure are hungry,” said a voice from behind him.                        

        “The name is Rusty.  And yes, I am hungry.”   He said as he turned around to see a cat sitting just behind him.       

        “Is it your food I'm eating?”       

        “No,” replied the cat. This food has been put out to feed strays.”  He continued, “I guess it includes all stray animals of any kind.  You are more than welcome to a share.  I'll wait until you finish as you appear to be pretty hungry. He paused a minute and then said, “By the way, my name is Rags.”            

          As Rusty finished eating, he slowly began to crawl away.  But before doing so, he turned and nodded to Rags and then spoke, “Thank you so much for your kindness, Rags”                                

         “No problem,” answered Rags.  “It feels good to share with others.  If you need for food again, remember, there's always something here for you.”    

          “I'll remember that,” smiled Rusty as he continued to crawl away. 

          Not only did Rusty leave that day with a full stomach.   He left also with a warm feeling inside his heart placed there by the respect and kindness of another.