OTTER'S BEST FRIEND

"I came to visit you, my dear little friend!" "Please tell me what you've been up to."

"Oh, Otter, we've been looking for you! Beaver just left, he misses you too. Is it true? Have you found the treasure?"

Otter and prairie dog went a long way back, ever since Otter saved Prairie dog from a deadly snake attack. Otter acted quickly, he called for Mongoose to hurry their way. Mongoose fought tooth and nail finally grabbing the snake by the tail. In the end, Mongoose saved the day. "Thanks for the dinner, Otter! I've searched for something to eat for awhile." Prairie Dog realized Otter's gift. Otter's efforts to save him also helped another. Over time, he'd seen him do this again and again. Prairie dog loved him more and more ever since. Prairie dog latched onto Otter's hind quarter. "Please hug me Otter, or pinch me at least!" Otter smiled down at little prairie dog. He bent down and hoisted him onto his shoulder. The frogs had ceased to fall. But water was what needed the most. Staring at the lowering sun, they were joined together. "Prairie Dog?" Otter whispered softly, to his little best friend perched next to his head. "Yes, Otter? I’m here." He moved closer up Otter's shoulder until he was nestled on his head, between Otter's ears. No words were spoken as they watched the sun slip into the horizon. "I will stay with you tonight, Prairie Dog but tomorrow I must go. But I will not worry about you, I'll tell you everything

you'll need to know." "For now you must get your rest. Go on and settle into your den." Prairie dog protested, "But Otter, I want to know! What is going on? Can you tell me, did you find the treasure? What is the treasure, anyway, no one seems to know..." "In due time, friend, I will tell you it all. But now you must sleep and dream good dreams. I'll be right here, on top of your mound." Prairie dog agreed, Otter knew what was best. Soon, he was snoring in his underground nest. As Otter stretched out on top of the mound, a soft breeze soothed him, as he settled down. His mind was in a light, drowsy place. He knew for now, at least, he was safe. As He looked up, gazing out at the stars, he waited for the golden orb to appear. Otter closed his eyes and began to silently speak. "Please come to me, whatever you are, whoever you are You are the only safe source guiding me." Otter felt a now familiar golden light When he opened his eyes the Orb was floating above him, so bright. The golden Orb felt Otter's conflict. "Otter, what is it that you need from me? Why do you feel so torn inside?" Otter was always taken aback when the Orb described his feelings inside. "Well, yes, I am worried. I don't know why you chose me. How am I to take this chance, when so many are looking to kill me?" "You already know, Otter, it is your destiny. Why is it that now, you have doubt in me?" Otter was ashamed, but still worried. The golden Orb spoke and Otter listened intently. "Yes, my dear Otter, you are in for a battle, the outcome is not sure. But, if you depend on me with all your heart, give up your shell and truly love Me,

then you will feel my strength that will allow you to accomplish anything." Otter was embarrassed that he needed reminding. "Golden Spirit, I am sorry, my fear got the best of me." "It's alright Otter, it will happen again. Just do what you did tonight, close your eyes and summon me. Now, sleep a peaceful sleep. When you wake up, you will have the knowledge and energy. To move forward towards your destiny." Otter was already asleep when the golden orb, the golden Spirit, reached down and poured Itself into Otter, until Otter was also gleaming. It wasn't everyday, Spirit gave away the treasure to help Otter triumph. But the golden Spirit already knew. Otter was one who deserved it.