“The amusing part is, he never sees me through the glass…” University professor John Haffenden is accustomed to spending his days in his office, diligently fulfilling his duties as an educator. While he typically enjoys the solitude of his workspace, his peaceful routine was recently interrupted by an unexpected visitor peering down at him.
An endearing fox, whom Haffenden affectionately dubbed Fergus, made a surprise appearance one day and developed a sudden fascination with the skylight above the professor’s office. The drowsy creature soon began to visit regularly, particularly around nap time.
“This fellow spends a considerable amount of time dozing above me as I work,” Haffenden shared on X, formerly Twitter. “The amusing part is, he never sees me through the glass…”
Unaware of the presence below him, Fergus found solace in his rooftop slumbers, blissfully unaware of the observer beneath him. Haffenden found himself eagerly anticipating Fergus’ daily visits, documenting their interactions on X for his followers.
The fox, affectionately dubbed Haffenden’s “roofmate,” quickly amassed a devoted following on social media. Yet, in Fergus’ world, nothing had changed — he remained oblivious to his newfound fame and admirers. His rooftop siestas remained as tranquil and undisturbed as ever.
“I’m not sure if he believes he’s above me, but he is quite literally above me,” Haffenden mused on X, “Editing [and] enviously watching.” Fergus’ visits became a daily source of delight for Haffenden, whether the fox was curled up in a snug ball or perched upright, paws pressed against the skylight, providing unwitting entertainment for the professor.
One fateful day, Fergus caught sight of movement below him. His gaze shifted from the glass beneath his paws to Haffenden, startling the unsuspecting professor.
“At long last, Fergus has noticed me!” Haffenden exclaimed on X. “He seemed rather affronted… and promptly made his escape after I took his picture.” Concerned that Fergus might be too frightened to return to his favored nap spot now that his cover was blown, Haffenden anxiously awaited the fox’s reappearance.
“I believe he has forgiven me,” Haffenden later updated on X. “Or perhaps he prefers a spot where he can bask in the sun undisturbed.” Despite his initial surprise, Fergus eventually returned for another peaceful rest, much to Haffenden’s relief.
It has been several weeks since Fergus first acknowledged Haffenden’s presence, and while his visits have become less frequent, the professor recently discovered the heartwarming reason why.
“Fergus’ admirers will be delighted to learn that he has become a father to three cubs, which keeps him too occupied to linger with me,” Haffenden revealed in an X update. Though Fergus may not grace Haffenden’s rooftop as often now that he’s tending to his offspring, their bond remains unbroken.
Whenever Fergus does make a return to the skylight, Haffenden greets him with warmth and appreciation, cherishing each fleeting moment with the sleepy fox.
“I’m fully aware that his visits may not last indefinitely, but I am savoring every encounter,” Haffenden shared on X, embracing the transient nature of their connection.