A Familiar Face

Fox spent many more days with Wolf and his pack. She learned the thrill of the hunt, the rich taste of meat, and the power she could hold in the forest if she was willing to take it.

All the same, Fox still enjoyed the occasional berry, and when the snow began to fall, she would pounce on her prey in the snow, jumping high into the air as Rabbit had taught her.

It wasn’t until one warm afternoon, when she was visiting her favorite berry patch looking for some mice to snack on, that she saw a familiar face.

“Rabbit?” Fox’s voice caught in her throat unexpectedly as she spied the small grey form holding still and quiet beneath the bush. “Why are you hiding? Come out!”

Rabbit made no motion to move, and as Fox took a step closer she could see her old friend was trembling. Rabbit's warm coat would keep the cold at bay. This meant that the trembling, Fox realized, was in fear.

“Please go.” Rabbit’s voice was small, maternal warmth replaced by a chilling streak of terror.

“What are you talking about?” Fox laughed and reached a paw out to coax her friend out into the open.

“Don’t hurt me!” Rabbit shrieked and Fox jumped back in shock.

“Hurt you? Why would I ever do that? You’re my friend!” she was injured at the accusation.

“I’ve seen you.” Rabbit’s voice was small but gaining strength as she found her confidence. “With Wolf.”

“Wolf is my friend.” Fox said. “Just like you. I’m sorry I didn’t come home, but nothing has changed. Why are you behaving like this?”

“Things have changed Fox. You have changed. You say I am your friend, but you are not mine. My friends are the mice, the voles, all the creatures you and your so-called friend Wolf make into meals.”

“Rabbit! What are you saying? Yes, I eat meat now, as Wolf has taught me. But I would never eat you!”

“You say that, but I don’t believe you. Not anymore.” Rabbit’s eyes were sharp with anger, and before Fox could respond, Rabbit darted off into the trees faster than Fox ever could.

_________________________ *This piece was written as a part of a series for #Folktaleweek2021 in response to the prompt “Feast” for 11/18/2021.

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-Jessica