The Rabbit Who Was Supposed to Run

Behind our house is my favourite place in the whole world.

There's a big field where butterflies dance, birds sing from the trees, and rabbits pop out of the grass when you least expect them.

My sisters, Marie and Olivia, love that field too.

Mostly because of the rabbits.

"Rabbit!"

The three of us took off like furry rockets.

The rabbit zigzagged across the field before disappearing into a bush.

"We've got him!" barked Marie.

"He can't escape now!" shouted Olivia.

I hurried over as fast as I could.

When I reached the bush, I found a tiny brown rabbit curled into a little ball.

His eyes were squeezed shut.

His nose was trembling.

"Please don't hurt me," he whispered.

My heart felt funny.

Why would anyone think I'd hurt them?

I slowly lay down on my tummy until I was almost the same height as him.

It felt nicer that way.

"Hello," I said softly.

"My name is BoBo."

The rabbit opened one eye.

"You... you're not going to chase me?"

I wagged my tail.

"I already did."

He blinked.

"Oh..."

"I just wanted to meet you."

For a moment, neither of us said anything.

Then...

The tiniest smile appeared.

"My name is Edgar."

"It's very nice to meet you, Edgar."

Behind me I heard a loud sigh.

A very dramatic one.

"BoBo..."

It was Marie.

"What are you doing?"

"Talking."

"To a rabbit?"

"Yes."

Olivia looked completely confused.

"But... dogs chase rabbits."

I looked at Edgar.

Then at my sisters.

Then back at Edgar.

"I know."

"So?"

"So..."

I tilted my head.

"...maybe today we don't."

Marie looked as if I had suggested rabbits should start walking dogs instead.

"But he's a rabbit!"

"And?"

"And..."

She stopped.

Apparently she had never thought beyond that part.

I smiled.

"I think he's just Edgar."

Edgar smiled too.

Not a big smile.

Just enough to tell me he wasn't quite so frightened anymore.

We sat together for a while, talking about burrows, sunshine, carrots and why butterflies never seem to land where you expect them.

By the time Edgar hopped home, I wasn't thinking about rabbits anymore.

I was thinking about my new friend.

As we walked home, Olivia nudged me.

"BoBo?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think there are other animals we've never really met?"

My ears stood up.

"I hope so."

"Why?"

"Because..."

My tail started wagging again.

"...I think the world is full of friends we just haven't met yet."

Paws for now...

BoBo 🐾