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12-13-14-15-16-17
Chapter 12
Everyone stood in shock in staring at the piles of ashes that once were the farmer and his wife.
"Che Ka" the squirrel said softly.
"She said" Hannah stuttered still looking at the mounds. "She said to follow her." Hannah pulled on Kathleen and Chandra's arm dragging them away from the ashes. Slowly they followed the squirrel in silence. They walked into the forest opposite of the side they had first came through. It seemed like forever till the squirrel stopped at a tall magnificent tree dwarfing all around it. Running up to the tree squirrel chittered back at them.
"Stand back" Hannah translated. The squirrel placed the crystal shard that she had been carrying down onto the forest floor. Brushing her tail on a white line marked into the tree she chittered something then placed her paw up against a knob that they hadn't noticed. The ground around the tree shook softly as a small door opened; the squirrel picked up the shard and jumped in side.
"We have to follow her," Hannah said going towards the door.
"How can we," Kathleen snapped, "only a small anything could climb through that hole."
"Well Hannah it is rather small. Are you sure you didn't misunderstand the squirrel." said Chandra. Hannah glared at the two and stopped over to the tree. She ran her hand over the white line and the door grew to fit her size. She hastily stepped through the hole while Chandra and Kathleen were hot on her heels. Once inside they encountered a long lit tunnel leading to who knows where. Hannah didn't look back and continued down the tunnel leaving Chandra and Kathleen no choice but to follow. Just as Kathleen was going to suggest turning back they spotted a light at the end of the passage. They emerged into the light while their eyes adjusted to their bright surroundings.
"Wow." the all said in amazement. Trees were lined up all around a huge field; the trees stood so tall you could barely make out the tops of them. In the field there were many squirrels of all shapes, sizes and colors, playing and jumping around. The light streaming in through the trees danced around magically, creating rainbows here and there.
"Wow" said Kathleen again "this is amazing!"
"I'm glad you think so" chimed a voice off the side. Out of the shadows came a young girl about Kathleen's age.
"Who are you?" asked Chandra.
"Squirrel!" Hannah gasped "I cant believe its really you!"
"How do you know it's the squirrel she doesn't look like a squirrel to me. Squirrels just don't turn into people." growled Kathleen. The young girl flung her white hair and stared into Kathleen's eyes the same way the squirrel had. Kathleen stared back.
"I see you haven't changed the way you feel about me." laughed the young girl. Her laugh filled the air making it sing back. "Come, I will explain."
"Thanks, I think we need some of that" Chandra remarked.
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