An Unexpected Guest Part Two

I shot back against the wall when whatever was there suddenly began shifting around more violently, leaving me too scared for any sort of action. The wall behind felt somewhat safer as I was drawn up against it fumbling around for something I could use for a weapon, but found nothing. I had the distinct impression of what a barnacle must feel like when sucked up against a rock, that grasp of physical force, sensing each spine chilling creak of the smooth floorboards as I moved from one foot to the other with rain hitting the window and wind howling outside.

Was I a victim of my own imagination? I thought! Or were visions convulsing along the cold damp floor? Each blink of my eyes gave that impression of an unwelcoming menacing threat like a master puppeteer pulling strings on black tatters, taunting me with their vulgar unpredictable ravings.

That rancid early morning taste was cloying at my dry tongue, the need for some water imperative as I licked my lips. Power of the strange image before me might have left myself unhinged, but for the fact that at that moment the door flew open, a gust of wind blew in and the shadowy figure rampaged across the room, rising then falling in a distressed way.

Letting out a scream, whipping my head this way and that like some raving banshee, my heart skipped a beat. Still trembling all over I managed to get to my feet and quickly made a move over to the bed, not taking my eyes off the grave mystery that sent shivers through my whole being.

Still the shape jolted this way and that with no sound as I grappled for the drawer beside my bed, though It was stiff at first, I finally yanked it open and fumbled around for the torch, with my hands quivering like they had a mind of their own, as I quickly grabbed the torch and switched on, pointing the light in direction of what I thought was an assailant.

But then with an ashamed expression of light relief on my face, I took a deep meaningful breath, suddenly everything made sense. Here was I gazing at a huge injured bat, its wings damaged as it twitched this way and that trying to take off.

At that precise moment I wish I'd a mains light to switch on so that it would be easier to deal with the situation. What really surprised me, was that the creature never made a sound, not a squeak, chirp or even a clicking noise that I thought they were supposed to make.

By now the only solution was to get dressed. With some bottled water I'd bought with me I cleaned up my wound and put some antiseptic cream on, the smell reminding me of my younger days when falling down and mum with wet cotton balls would tend to my cuts. Last but not least a plaster...again I just hate that sterile smell and would never have made a nurse or doctor working in those soulless, colourless conditions. With my thoughts turning to the fact I wouldn't need stitches and thanking my lucky stars, I was still occasionally keeping my eyes on the over sized bat that now appeared to have calmed down.

Drying myself off with a towel and putting some jeans and tea shirt on, I grabbed my parka and left, this time locking the door behind me. It was time to head for the main lodge, even if it meant waking everyone up at an ungodly hour. I was sure Marcia and Alan would understand the urgency of getting this poor creature to a local vet, especially with their love of nature.

Although I had no idea about bats, sadly the feeling that when the wings were damaged a flying creature wouldn't stand much chance of recovery went through my mind, but I had to try. I trudged my way through the woods as fast as I could, still considering the poor traumatized bat back at the cabin that was playing deeply on my mind.

I shone the torch along the path feeling my sanity once more returning as I edged closer to the main lodge, the dimness of the porch light at the entrance was a welcome sight in the rain and wind that never seemed to let up. Approaching the door I pressed the buzzer and waited, there was no reply so I continued to buzz again frantically until a light came on inside.

Annoyed voices could be heard as I rang incessantly. An irritated Alan opened the door with eyes narrowed and hair ruffled looking at me with a peeved expression. “Squirrel! What on earth do you want at this hour?” His voice annoyed, he tried to make sense of the time gazing at his wrist but realizing he never had a watch on, nevertheless knowing it was the middle of the night when all good people should be sleeping...or at least here in the woods anyway.

Grinding my back teeth I began to explain. “I'm so sorry Alan, but I really need your help...can I come in and explain?”

Now fully awake I could tell he was becoming more concerned than annoyed. “Yeah sure!” He ushered me in quickly and I felt guilty because of the water now dripping everywhere.

“What on earth have you been up to on such a wild night?” He asked bewildered. “Looks like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards.” He hesitated, then asked me if I'd like a hot drink.

I was more than happy to accept his hospitality feeling so parched. “That would be a life saver, thanks Alan,” I declared trying hard to compose myself. “Alan!” I called out as he left the room yawning and wandered out to the kitchen. I followed him eager to indicate the importance of my visit. “It's about what I found in my cabin.” I knew he'd understand once I told him.

“Okay Squirrel please explain what's going on.” His stern voice had me unsure where to start, but then I thought! Might as well begin at the beginning, telling him of my sleepwalking.

Once I'd explained everything, Alan did grasp the importance, but knew a lot more about nature than I did. “Well! There's nothing we can do tonight,” he confirmed, “so I suggest you stay here for now. In the morning we'll phone the vet and I'll get a blanket to wrap the creature in.”

By now Marcia was up and wanted to know what all the fuss was about. She surprised yours truly by being quite calm about the whole situation and seemed quite happy for me to stay. It wasn't long before I'd finished my drink, washed in their bathroom and made up a bed on the settee, which I was very grateful for. “Do you think the bat will be okay?” I queried Marcia, concerned for the creature's life.

“Bats are very capable of repairing themselves if left alone,” she declared, puffing up the two pillows. “You mark my words it'll be fine.”

Thankfully I slept okay for the rest of the night. In the morning we returned to the cabin to find the bat laying motionless under the bed. Alan managed to catch it and wrapped the creature in the blanket. We set off in his land rover with me trying my best to keep the bat comfortable and still.

All was okay in the end as the vet managed to sort the bat out. Four days after we returned Alan released it back into the wild. While I watched my unexpected guest fly off into the trees. I felt a great sense of relief at having saved the life of an endangered species.

Now all that was left was for me to continue with my holiday, knowing that when I got back to work I'd have a great story to publish in the nature pages of our newspaper.

Picture from pixabay free.