Late-Night Bandits

I tried to get a photo, but it was too dark.

I overheard my neighbor outside saying something about raccoons, so I peeked out the window in time to see a ringed tail disappearing around the corner. I jumped up, slipped on some shoes, and headed out to investigate. It's been awhile since I've seen raccoons up close. I know they're destructive and can maybe be dangerous, but they are still so darn cute!

I went out into the street, and there they were. Two masked bandits, quietly cruising the streets. I saw at least three neighborhood cats watching carefully from a distance. I stood under the streetlight, the air filled with saxophone from one of my musical neighbors, like a movie track. The two raccoons circled around and came to stand in front of me, about 10 yards away, both regarding me with interest (and not much caution). I didn't really feel nervous, but when they took two steps towards me in unison, I did get ready to get the heck out of there. They were both quite big.

But then, they touched noses, as if in farewell, and went opposite ways into the night.