He did not listen to anyone and did whatever he felt like throughout the day. Cody was very worried about him as everyone kept complaining about him. Sometimes, because of his behaviour, Chippy was beaten by other animals.
Cody applied medicine to his wounds and explained, "Son, you should not do what can cause trouble for you as well as for others."
"Ma, you know the forest dwellers. They're always making up stories. No matter who makes a mistake, my name is mentioned."
"It's not like that. There are other animals in the forest, too. Why doesn't anyone make up stories about them? Everyone keeps talking about you."
"Ma, don't listen to them! I'm not like what everyone says," Chippy said.
"From tomorrow, you will walk with me in search of food. Look, your younger brother, Goldie, is with me all the time."
"Ma, he's still small. That's why he likes your company. I have grown up and can arrange my food. I want to roam freely in the forest."
"Freedom should not mean arrogance," Cody said.
Chippy decided it was wise to remain silent. He had been punished severely for eating soft wheat plants from Bella bear's field. Bella had been hiding on the edge of the field. As soon as he started eating the crop, she caught him red-handed.
In the evening, Bella met Cody and said, "Ask Chippy to be careful, Cody! His life should not get to be in danger someday."
"Why do you say that, Bella?"
"He is stealing from my field and I had to beat him so that he never returns. You must have seen the wounds on his body. Didn't you ask him why he got hit?"
"He doesn't tell me anything and just does what he feels like. I try hard to convince him, but he doesn't listen."
"You must explain to him, or else the forest dwellers will drive him out of here someday," Bella said angrily and left.
This story is from the April First 2023 edition of Champak.
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This story is from the April First 2023 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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