A Strange Shape on the Asphalt
The cyclist’s front tire slowed to a crawl as a white sedan squeezed past the narrow lane. A small, bright white object sat directly on the line where the gray asphalt met the overgrown weeds. It was a domestic rabbit, completely motionless, with its long ears pressed flat against its dusty back. The tires of the passing car generated a quick gust of wind that rustled the grass, but the rabbit did not move. It remained curled into a tight ball, its nose twitching rapidly.
Slowing Down to Help
Squeezing his brake levers, the rider brought his mountain bike to a halt and turned his handlebars around. He pedaled back slowly, keeping his eyes fixed on the white shape against the green brush. This was clearly a domestic pet, far from any house, and completely out of its element on this country road. He dismounted, letting his bike rest on its kickstand near the grassy bank. He took off his helmet and set it down, stepping quietly toward the shoulder so he wouldn’t startle the animal. The rabbit’s chest rose and fell in rapid, shallow movements, but it kept its eyes focused straight ahead.
A Much Needed Drink
The cyclist dropped to his knees on the rough pavement, placing his black backpack on the ground to his left. He stretched out his right hand, which was covered in a worn, fingerless cycling glove. He moved his hand slowly, keeping his fingers low to the ground before gently resting them on the rabbit’s head. The white fur felt soft but slightly damp under his touch. The rabbit did not flinch or try to scramble into the thick brambles. Instead, it closed its eyes slightly as the cyclist stroked the top of its head, smoothing down the fur between its ears.
Offering a Small Meal
Recognizing how exhausted the animal must be under the midday sun, the cyclist reached back for his plastic water bottle. He pulled the squeeze valve open with his teeth and tilted the bottle over his left hand. He squeezed gently, letting a cool stream of water pool in the hollow of his gloved palm. He lowered his hand to the ground, bringing the water right to the rabbit’s nose. The rabbit sniffed the wet glove once, then immediately lowered its head to drink. Its pink tongue darted in and out of the small pool, lapping up the fresh water as fast as the cyclist could pour it.
He kept his hand perfectly steady, pouring more water drop by drop to keep the puddle full. When the rabbit finally backed its head away, the cyclist wiped his wet glove on his shorts. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small handful of unshelled peanuts. He placed the nuts in his open palm and offered them to the rabbit. The rabbit leaned forward, sniffing the food before picking up a nut and chewing it steadily. The cyclist sat quietly on his heels, watching the small white rabbit eat from his hand as a cool breeze blew through the roadside grass.
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