The giant oak tree school buzzed with running paws and loud chatter. Quigley watched the busy forest creatures hurry past the thick roots. He grabbed his bright yellow backpack and crawled right inside the main pocket, pulling the heavy flap down to block out the noisy morning.
A wooden bell clacked high in the branches. A final rush of feet pattered past the yellow canvas. Quigley pressed his prickles against the smooth nylon lining and squeezed his eyes shut. I'm just a backpack today, he thought into the dark.
Small, careful footsteps stopped right next to the bag. A loud metallic rustle made Quigley uncurl. He peeked slowly through the half-open zipper. Outside on the moss, a young chipmunk wrestled hard with a shiny tin lunchbox.
Pop! The tin lid flew off. A dozen roasted acorns scattered across the damp earth. The chipmunk covered his face with his paws, letting out a quiet squeak. The round nuts bounced dangerously close to a deep muddy puddle.
Quigley pushed the yellow bag wide open and scurried into the fresh air. He quickly curled tight, tumbling down the slope to spear three runaway acorns before they hit the water. The chipmunk lowered his paws, his tiny mouth shaped in a circle of surprise.
Quigley unrolled and dropped the rescued acorns safely back into the tin. "Want to eat together?" the chipmunk asked, offering him the very biggest nut. Quigley took the warm acorn and sat right beside his yellow backpack, enjoying the morning sunlight.