A Bunny/dog/echidna

• Eliza Mignot, Grade 5
• Short Story
• 2010

28thJuly 1918

An extraordinary discovery. It’s almost a science experiment.
I found it burrowing its way into my garden.
A furry sort of echidna with long ears. Amazing!
It fits into my palm with ease. It clings on to my thumb as if it were clinging onto life.
It must be a baby; its eyes have that surprised weeping look as babies generally do.
It’s the discovery of the century. I shall be famous.
My colleagues shall be so envious!
It’s almost as important as the theory of evolution.
There must be more. It couldn’t have just fallen from the heavens.
I shall run tests. What should I call it? I shan’t publicise yet, not until I have a name, and a scientific name like rats have ratus ratus, and horses have equis something.
Yes, I shall ask my colleges what they think.
I must go now and write some letters, ask for some opinions.

11th August 1918 Decisions, decisions

Finally I have something. Finally I have a reply!
The scientists at Cambridge Collage have decided on a name for this marvellous creature. A hedgehog, that is their decision.