"I know not why things
happen, nor do I ask why.
I just know they do."

--Bandit's First Haiku


To Deborah...  Thanks.


     Foxglove suddenly stopped.  It was as if something major had happened 
that she should know of.  Hoping nothing was wrong, she changed course for
the Rangers' tree.

     As she flew, she tried to think of why she felt empty.  Maybe it was
something about today?  Something she wanted to do, but couldn't now?  She 
didn't know.  Maybe Dale knew.

     As Foxglove lighted on the branch outside of Ranger HQ, she couldn't 
shake the feeling that something sad had happened.  She walked in the door.

****

     Dale looked up from his comic book to see who was coming in.  Foxglove 
walked in looking at a loss.

     "Hi, Foxglove!  What's up?"

     "Oh, hi Dale.  I'm not sure.  I feel...  empty."

     "Uh- Anything I can do ta help?"  Dale gets up and walks toward Foxglove 
only to trip over his feet, almost knocking over a cup of water.  Foxglove 
grins and chuckles.  "Thanks, Dale.  I needed cheering up."

     Dale looks up and flashes her a goofy grin.  Foxglove starts feeling the 
emptiness receding as she thinks about Dale.  A moment later, she feels that 
everything will be okay.  Chip comes running in just then.

     "Heads up, guys!  We got a case!  Dale, get the others.  Hi, Foxglove."

     "Okeydokey, Chip!"  Dale runs off.  Foxglove looks at Dale's back and 
sighs.  Chip gives her a strange look, and nods.

     "Hey, Foxglove.  Would you like to go with us?  We might need your help."

     "SURE!  Uh, I mean, sure.  I'd like to come."  Chip tries not to break 
into a big grin.

     Everyone gathers into the Rangerwing, with Dale and Foxglove sitting in 
the back.

     "Rescue Rangers Away!"

     A short distance away, a woman standing in the shade of a tree watches
the Rangers plus one take off into the sunset.  Her eyes glimmer as she smiles.

     Then she disappears.

****

     Author's Note:

     I'm not very good at being sentimental, but I just had to put this to words.  
Let's just say it kinda came to me to write this.  Hope someone likes it.

--The Smiling Bandit

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