Thief

Thief: one who steals – to take and carry away without permission (Merriam-Webster)

He looks both ways, checks for enemies and interference.

Thanks to a compassionate human, his target has continued to mature during the recent hot, dry spell. It’s almost ripe enough for that aforementioned human, but our thief has a different agenda.

With a graceful leap he springs to the wooden fence, clings but a moment and transfers to a wire support. He almost vanishes into the tall, thick plant. Cautious now, he looks around, pauses as if to savor the moment.

He leans forward. Snip!

The rosy tomato falls to the ground. He drops next to it. Snatches it up in his rodent mouth and dashes away for a squirrel breakfast.