Bernard Alternate Ending

“I have found it!” he said, waving the twig in triumph. “Oh, its perfect. Thank you Bernard. It is so nice to have someone around to help me build this nest.” “Well, it’s no problem,” he said, handing her the twig, “I think I quite enjoy nest building, its rather like a scavenger hunt, isn’t?” “Oh quite, quite indeed,” she chirped. “Do you think they will like the nest?” “I would imagine so. I like it. But, who are they?” “My chicks,” she said with pride. “Ah” he replied, understanding dawning on him. “Who is their father?” “I don’t actually know, he flew in one day and left the next,” Rose responded “I don’t blame him though, Spring is often a busy time for male birds. I believe tending to the chicks will be a bit more difficult than
“Well I must go and feed the ants dinner. I’ll be back to help again, as soon as I can.” “Goodbye, Bernard.” “Goodbye,” he said with a wave over his shoulder. In his usual gait, arms stiff at his sides, Bernard trotted down the mossy path leading back to his home as he thought of the friends he had made that day. Suddenly, he found himself in the center of a circle of ants. “Hello ants.” “Bernard, our queen is angry with you. You took our twig. She demands your audience,” the ants said as one. “We will take you too her.” And with that they created a pathway lined with ants on both sides. The ants behind Bernard began to crowd him, forcing him to follow the path the ants made in front of him. They led him to a hole in an ant pile which he just barely fit through. Below the ground, there was just enough light coming through holes in the ceiling for him to barely make out small shapes skittering in and out of rows and rows of tunnels.
“This way,” voices said in the darkness. He followed them as best he could, feeling his way along the cold damp walls. This is certainly an adventure, he thought. Ahead, a light appeared and he moved towards it. A large chamber opened up before him, illuminated by light coming through holes in the ceiling far