The Gum Chewing Badger and His Magical Acorn


On a sunny afternoon in the woods by a river, an earthy brown Badger named Bob sat on a log. Unlike most badgers this one was a bit different, not only did he have a name but Bob also loved to chew gum. Bob chewed on some gum as he sat perched on an old log. The gum-chewing badger was observing as a squirrel struggled to carry a golden acorn across a tree branch without losing its balance. The curious badger observed as the squirrel floundered to the end of the branch it stood on.  The squirrel slipped off the branch before grabbing it with it’s paw, the acorn which had flew into the air now bonked the squirrel on the head..
“Oof. ” went the squirrel, and watched as the golden nut fall to earth. Eyeing the shiny acorn, the badger headed towards it, and plucked the acorn from the ground. “That’s mine, “ said the squirrel as badger started to leave. “Finder’s keeper’s.” Bob replied.
“Wait,” the squirrel called as he scurried down the tree. “That’s my acorn Mr. Badger.”
“My name is Bob, and this acorn which I am holding has no name on it, so it must belong to me.” the gum-chewing Badger told the squirrel.
“B-but, it isn’t. It is my magic acorn, I found it. Please return it to me.” Bob looked at the golden nut, then at the brown and seemingly desperate squirrel before him. “Magic you say?”
“Y-yes, “ the squirrel nodded.
“Hmm…how about I trade you for it then? Since you seem to think it‘s yours…” Bob said as he inspected the acorn.
The squirrel waved his paw at Bob and began to leave. “Never mind, I’ll just get another one. Goodbye.” he said quietly before starting to grumble something and scurry up another tree. Bob watched the squirrel until it vanished from sight.
Satisfied, the gum-chewing badger smiled at his acorn. Just then, a thought occurred to him. “Wait, what do I want with an acorn?” Bob asked himself. “Magic he said…well, what can a ‘magic’ acorn do?”
Bob proceeded to whack, throw, and bite the acorn in an attempt to find out. “C’mon acorn,” he said while stomping on the nut. “Do your stuff. ”
Nightfall approached and after spending at least an hour trying to make the acorn work its magic, Bob gave up and plopped down beside it. “Bah. Magic acorn indeed.”
The forest, Bob noticed, was unusually quiet. A bright light shone from beyond the shadowy trees. Bob got up quietly and peered at the strange light before rushing to snatch his acorn and make sure it was safe.  A hunter appeared and raised his gun. With a loud crack, he fired the weapon, and shot the gum-chewing badger. The hunter moved to collect his prey, a squirrel with a golden acorn stumbled over a tree branch. The squirrel watched as the hunter carried the motionless badger away.