I enjoy feeding birds in my garden. About three years ago, a baby chipmunk (花栗鼠) which I named Chip came to this festive display. Over that summer, I watched it1. The next summer, the chipmunk was back, and I wondered whether it would2me to feed it by hand or let me pet it. Before Chip would approach, I'd3its favorite food, bend down and keep very4. I'd leave my open hand 5, unmoving, so the animal would know I wouldn't6it. I continued doing this for a few weeks.

    7, late in that second summer, Chip did show more trust. One day as I8a seed with my fingertips, it approached and9took the seed into its mouth. It never bit my fingers.

    I was happy that Chip and I had made a(n) 10of trust.

    After about two months of this11, I went further. With my index finger, I12its back once gently. I'm not even sure Chip felt it, but it didn't13I then moved my two fingers slowly and gently over it.14Chip stayed calm, eating seeds, before running quickly back into the bush.

    Today, the chipmunk comes out of hiding when I call its name, and lets me15 its soft, silky body.
    A friend once mentioned that after she 16a dog, she noticed that her high blood pressure had approached 17without medication, and she became calmer and could handle stress better. I think I, too, feel18from my interactions with Chip.

    I've also developed a greater19for nature and its creatures and the opportunity to observe, protect and save wildlife. Most of all, I am amazed by the 20of a tiny chipmunk to meet me halfway in trust.