Rescuing My Squirrel in the Dark

“I’m ready. Drop her.” The rope lowers me into darkness. It’s cold.

Quiet. My heart is pounding. “Got you. You’re safe,” someone says from above.

“Yeah… please,” I reply. “My squirrel is still in there.” “Okay,” they say.

“I got you.” I switch on my light. “Squirrel? Where are you?” Nothing.

“SQUIRREL! WHERE ARE YOU?” Then—movement. “There you are,” I whisper.

“Gotcha.” The squirrel is shaking, trapped. I carefully pick

him up. “Let’s go.” I turn back, searching. “Where’s the exit?”

Not this way. Panic hits. “Come on… got to get out.” “Where is it?” I