The Owl Who Wouldn't Be Wise

How it begins

Orin knew why the moon changed shape. He knew where the swallows went in winter. He knew which mushrooms were safe to eat and which ones were better left to people who enjoyed unpleasant surprises.

He did not know how to ride a bicycle.

This was a problem because Bess had brought him one.

'You said you wanted to try something new,' the badger reminded him.

'I meant perhaps a different sort of tea.'

The bicycle leaned against his tree. It was blue, with a small brass bell and a basket exactly large enough for an owl's dignity. Orin looked at the pedals. They appeared unnecessarily far from the handlebars.

A rabbit stopped on the path. 'Professor Orin! Why do clouds float?'

Orin opened his beak.

Bess held up a paw. 'The professor is learning something.'

The rabbit stared. 'But he already knows things.'

'Not this thing.'

Soon a squirrel arrived with a question about acorns. A duck wanted to know whether the pond had a bottom. Two mice asked who had invented Tuesday. Orin answered them all because answering was easier than putting one foot on a pedal while the other was apparently expected to do something impossible.

By lunchtime, the bicycle had not moved.

Bess sat beside him and shared a sandwich. She did not ask a question. This was such an unusual event that Orin noticed the leaves for the first time all morning.

'What if I fall?' he asked.

'You might.'

'What if everyone sees?'

'They might.'

Orin waited for a more comforting answer. Bess took another bite.

'Would you stay?' he asked at last.

The badger brushed crumbs from her waistcoat. 'That,' she said, 'I can certainly do.'

He took his maps out of the basket to make room. Orin put one foot on the pedal. The bell gave a tiny, brave ring.