The Rabbit and the Fox

There once was a young rabbit called Rupert, who lived in a hole in the ground with his family. Eight little rabbits, and mother rabbit and father rabbit, all squeezed into a warren that was really built for six. With so many mouths to feed it was never fancy food on the table but Mother did what she could and there was always enough. They were happy enough, all except Rupert.

Rupert dreamed of feasting every night. Roasted carrots, parsnip pie, bramble tarts, ice cream and lashings of honey over it all. But instead, every night it was cabbage soup, with lettuce on Sundays. Every night, Father Rabbit would say the same grace. "Lord we thank you for this food you have given us, but most of all we thank you for the love of everyone who eats it together today." But as far as Rupert was concerned, love didn't quite melt on the tongue like honey covered ice cream and he didn't see why it made such a big difference.

One day, Rupert was wandering along the woodland path looking for a spare blackberry when he spotted a dapper looking gentleman out for an evening stroll. Mister Fox, for a fox he was, smiled an all too toothy grin and said "a fine evening for a stroll young rabbit". Being a polite, but not altogether wise, young rabbit, Rupert replied in kind. The fox was a charming conversationalist and Rupert lost track of the time. Suddenly, he saw the lengthening shadows and exclaimed "I must get home! Mother will be waiting to start dinner."

"Ah, no doubt a fine feast awaits? Roasted carrots perhaps? Parsnip pie? Lashings of honey covering ice cream in abundance?"

Rupert looked a little downcast. "No." He scuffed a stone with his foot, mouth turned down. "Cabbage soup again."

"Cabbage soup? Oh my. I'm not sure I could stomach cabbage soup. I much prefer a fine roasted rab-" The fox cleared his throat. "Radish. Roasted radish. My favourite. I shall be having a selection of roasted vegetables tonight, and I think some ice cream for dessert. Or perhaps I'll have it to start."

Poor Rupert's hungry stomach rumbled as the fox described the delicious dinner waiting him at home. If only he could have food like that tonight.

"Perhaps you'd like to try some?" The fox said, licking his lips as if he was anticipating the feast himself. "I'm sure I have plenty to spare and it's on the way back to your home, I'm sure you wouldn't be missed for a little while?"

Rupert had a small voice in the back of his head shouting that he should be running home as fast as he could, but the rumbling in his tummy drowned it out and he accepted the offer.

Back at the fox's house, the food did indeed smell delightful. The carrots gleamed in the oven, and pots of honey stood on the countertop. The fox was roasting carrots, onions and peppers in a dish that was just large enough that Rupert would have fitted right into it. Rupert's eyes widened at the wealth on display. It was everything he'd dreamed off while sipping cabbage soup.

The fox hummed a happy tune as he finished up cooking his favourite sauce, leaving it to simmer on the stove he double checked the recipe. Ah, rosemary, of course.

"I just need to get a few herbs and it will be ready for you in a moment." he said, leaving the front door. "Just sit tight"

Wondering how long it would take, Rupert wandered over to the recipe book. He found the well thumbed page and read "Roast rabbit with carrot, onion and pepper".

"Oh no" Rupert thought. "Oh what a silly, stupid rabbit." He ran to the window, and saw the fox starting back from the herb garden, whistling a merry tune. Dashing back across the room, Rupert quickly realised there was only one door and the fox was nearly at it. He'd never make it past. Spying a small window at the back, he pulled it open just a crack, and squeezed out just as the fox came in the door.

Hearing the fox's bark, Rupert ran like he had never run before, all the way home to his cabbage soup. And every time Father Rabbit said the grace Rupert said "amen" loud enough to make his sisters jump.