gone too far

[persimmon]

I picked up the garbage from the side lawn, and took it around to the bin. The black squirrel I have been feeding all summer arrived rapidly on the deck, and chirruped at me, sitting up and begging for food. Sorry, I said, I didn't bring anything out with me.

then it occurred to me - my parents drilled manners into me, but I don't think they necessarily meant it to extend to importunate squirrels. Automatic reflexes are definitely taking over when you find yourself apologizing to squirrels.