Jimothy Knows the Way
By AlsonAI
When Mina visits the busy market with her dad she discovers a small tailless raccoon named Jimothy hiding under a table. As Jimothy sniffs sweet peaches and cleverly avoids barking dogs and rolling carts Mina and her dad watch in wonder. Mina learns that although Jimothy looks different he is brave resourceful and knows how to stay safe. She sees that kindness and patience help build trust with wildlife. On her next visit Mina greets Jimothy gently showing respect and friendship.
Mina loved her neighborhood market. She smiled at the farmers and her friends. She smelled the peaches and the apricots.
She walked around the food stands. And suddenly she saw something sparkling under one of the tables. "Is that a cat?" she yelped.
The animal stepped into the light. It was a raccoon! But he looked very different. He was short and round. But no tail at all!
"Is he hurt?" Mina asked. "Should we help him?" Dad watched the quiet raccoon. "Let us see what he does," Dad said.
The raccoon lifted his little nose. Sniff, sniff, sniff. He smelled the sweet peaches. He waddled past the flowers.
Mina followed far behind. Suddenly, a loud dog barked! The raccoon froze. Mina held her breath.
The raccoon hid under a bench. He waited until the dog walked away. "He knew what to do," Mina whispered.
The raccoon came out from under the bench. A pink flower fell on his nose. Achoo! Mina giggled, "You look like a Jimothy."
Jimothy walked through the busy market. He stayed away from big feet. He hid from rolling carts. He stopped at a tall wall.
He reached up with one paw. Then he used the other. Slowly, he pulled himself to the top. "He is not lost," Mina said.
Dad smiled. "No, he knows his way." Jimothy walked into the green bushes. Mina thought he needed help.
She thought he was different. But Jimothy was smart and brave. He knew how to stay safe.
The next week, Mina saw him again. She did not try to catch him. She did not try to pet him. She just smiled.