A tiny brown chipmunk bounds through the thick green blades of grass with its wispy, fluffy tail high in the air; like a snorkel poking through an ocean of green. It stops for a moment and pops its petite head out from the sea of sward to sniff out the nutty aroma of almonds littered on the ground of the patio. The chipmunk sinks back under, scuttles through the lawn, and scampers across the flat concrete deck to claim its precious prize.

Almond by almond, the chipmunk’s cheeks inflate like a balloon. Its puny paws pack them in like there’s no tomorrow. The little chipmunk scurries off, through a splintery wood pile, and into the neighboring yard with its prize.

In no time at all, the chipmunk returns. This time there are no nuts, there is no prize, the game is over. The once stocked patio now lies barren and empty. The little one climbs up onto the cement step and gazes into the dining room with its dark, beady eyes. It won’t leave until satisfaction is met.