This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People. I am someone who is very easily

startled. That means if you walk up behind me, even if you don't mean to surprise me,

I will practically jump in the air. It is ridiculous and funny for my family. The reason I'm like this

is probably the same reason I come up with stories. I'm in my own world happily thinking to myself,

not paying attention, and then, WAM! Someone is suddenly there, shocking. So if we ever meet in real life,

and you would like to see a grown-up jump in the air and utter surprise for pretty much no reason at all,

just casually walk up behind me. I will be clutching my chest and shock, and you will be laughing a lot.

Most of you probably don't have this problem. It's not normal to startle so easily, but I will wager that

at some point in your life. Perhaps at a moment not too long from now, someone will tap on your shoulder

when you are at least expecting it. Maybe you've already had someone sneak up behind you.

Maybe you know that feeling of surprise and gidiness, and a little bit of fear you feel

right as you turn and see who it is. Well, this story takes place in that moment when you're not

turned around yet. Let's imagine that time stops right then, just before you've seen.

Ooh is on the other side of that tap. My special guest today was supposed to be a hamster named

Wilbur, but I don't know where he went. He was right there before I started talking to you guys.

Wilbur, you just snuck up on me. You did too?

Well, it didn't feel gradual at all. At least this is provided you with a demonstration of my problem.

Wilbur, stay right there where I can see you from now on. Here's a carrot.

Just sit there and eat that while you listen to our story. The tap on my shoulder.

Remember, there are no pictures, so you have to imagine the pictures in your mind.

You can imagine it however you want. Okay, here we go.

The tap came with no warning. My shoulder rung. I was in the middle of the backyard by myself,

...