Timber Teamwork in the Town of Nighthawk

The sun had barely risen over the quiet remnants of Nighthawk, casting long shadows across the dusty streets. Badger and Yote stood outside a creaking, abandoned building that once housed a bustling mining office. Now, the structure was little more than a skeleton of its former self, its wooden beams weathered but still sturdy.

“We’ll salvage what we can,” Badger said, tapping one of the timbers with his paw. “The schoolhouse needs these repairs if it’s going to survive another winter.”

Yote nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the old boards. “Agreed. It’s amazing this building is still standing after all these years. But it’s good timber—worth the effort.”

The two friends worked steadily, prying loose boards and hauling usable pieces into their cart. The clang of tools echoed faintly through the empty streets, mixing with the sound of a gentle breeze that stirred the silence of the old boom town.

As they paused to catch their breath, Yote leaned on his crowbar and grinned. “Badger, I’ve got a riddle for you while we work. It’s a real head-scratcher.”

Badger wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. “Let’s hear it.”

Yote began, “Tom has never missed a single day of school, but he hasn’t turned in a single homework assignment this year. He’s always talking in class and hasn’t passed a test in years. Yet, Tom has never gotten into trouble with any school staff, even though they know full well what he’s doing. He’s not a special student and doesn’t get any unique treatment. So why does Tom never get into trouble?”

Badger chuckled, his whiskers twitching. “Hmm, that is a good one. Let me think about it while we haul the next load.”

🧠 Badger and Yote’s story reminds us of the value of preserving history while building a brighter future. By salvaging old materials to repair the schoolhouse, they honor the legacy of their town and ensure the next generation has a place to grow and learn. It’s a lesson in resourcefulness, community spirit, and the importance of education in keeping traditions alive.