Bonded Beginnings (Past) Part 3

After frantically searching down the street while trying to stay out of sight from any onlookers, Penny finally saw the young man heading to the outskirts of the village.

Was he leaving already?

She watched as he crossed the small bridge leading out of town and turned, walking along the bank of the nearby river before sitting on a tree stump. She crept up quietly, trying to remain hidden.

From behind a tree she watched as he sat in silence, throwing bits of something on the ground. Before long a fat squirrel cautiously approached and began stuffing its face with whatever he was offering. He just smiled and watched the squirrel with amusement.

She took a step forward, trying to get a better look.

She froze as the twig under her foot gave way. The squirrel disappeared as the young man turned to face her direction.

"Hello?"

He paused waiting for an answer.

"I mean you no harm, friend."

He called her friend.

She reluctantly stepped out into the open.