(No, this story is not about Sonic)
Not long ago, in a not so far forest, there were many hedgehogs. They could always be seen running among the pines and swimming in the local lake. They were so many because few predators would dare hunt them - most died of accidents or old age.
There was one of the, though, that was different. It was a lonely one. It felt out of place among other hedgehogs, but had been like this for so long that had forgotten the reason of the self-imposed loneliness. Throughout the whole Autumn it just wandered throught the paths of fallen leaves, thinking about its own life. Other hegdehogs simply spent their time doing their shores or having fun as usual.
Time passed, and in the show of seasons, it was Winter’s turn to go on stage. As the first bits of snow started falling, the animals started looking for a shelter in which to spend the next few months. The lone hedgehog had some luck, and found a cave where others of his kind had gathered. Although it did not like being close to other animals of his species, it took the gathering like a signal that the place was safe.
The place ended up being a bad choice for all the hedgehogs, though. The cave was not warm enough. The hedgehogs went to the deepest part of it, and in there they got into a single collective hug, so as to keep themselves warm. The lone one observed it with curiosity before joining.
When it got into the hug, the spikes of the other hedgehogs wonded its skin. It jumped back in pain and went back to the place closer to the entrance of the cave. But in there, the cause of pain was another. The cold was fierce. The hedgehog was caught into a dilemma. It had but two options: stay alone, in the cold place, unsure about its own future; or it could gather with the other hedgehogs, even though it meant hurting and getting hurt by then.
This story has no fixed final. It is up to you, who have read it, to come up with your ending for it.
-Ren
