In the middle of the night

 

In our back garden we have security lights that come on whenever they detect any movement. They are very useful for me to determine when I am out in the garden. The lights sense my presence and come on. I see the trees, and bushes and flowers and know I am in the garden. A fact that could not be determined if we did not have security lights.

I once found myself in a dark broom cupboard. We have now fitted security lights there too in case I enter said enclosure by mistake.

I know what you're thinking: "How big is the broom cupboard?" 

Not very big really. One person size. One person wide, high and deep. If you enter the cupboard you stop because you cannot go any further. You have to take the broom and vacuum cleaner out. Also, now you hit your head on the very bright security lights.

Anyway, we have security lights in the garden and the other night they came on suddenly. I looked out the kitchen window and could see no one there. Rather foolishly, I put my slippers on and went out to investigate. I should have put on some sturdy shoes instead.

There by the apple tree were two squirrels. They looked at me and did not move. They dared me to react. I stood motionless not wishing to antagonise them in case they rushed towards me and climbed up my legs in search of some nuts or something. I'd read they can be quite vicious when angered.

There was a tennis ball on the ground left there from a previous game. One of the squirrels rushed towards it and hit it so hard it bounced in the air. The other squirrel jumped up and hit it hard in mid-flight. Before I knew it they were playing tennis.

Not with tennis rackets, you disbelieving lot; with their paws. They were jumping in the air chasing the ball. A sort of tennis and soccer football if you like. 

They probably thought it was a giant nut of some sort. Possibly a coconut; I don't know.

I shooed them away by making a noise. They rushed into the bushes. I slowly moved forwards to collect the tennis ball and they came out again. This time accompanied by a fox. We've never had a visiting fox in our garden. Whatever next? 

A whole menagerie of creatures dancing in the moonlight?

I rushed into the house as the security lights went out leaving a full moon in charge of proceedings.