The Brave Squirrel and the Shy Turtle
1 One bright morning, Sammy the Squirrel scampered through the forest, leaping from tree to tree. His bushy tail flicked in the air as he jumped over a log and skidded to a stop by the riverbank. Sammy was always full of energy and loved exploring new places.
2 On the edge of the river, he spotted a small turtle hiding under a rock. It was Timmy the Turtle, one of the shyest animals in the forest. Timmy liked to keep to himself, always moving slowly and staying close to his safe, quiet spots.
3 “Hey, Timmy!” Sammy called, bounding over to the rock. “What are you doing here?”
4 Timmy peeked out cautiously. “I’m trying to cross the river,” he said quietly. “But I’m too scared. The water is rushing so fast, and I can’t swim very well.”
5 Sammy looked at the river. The current was indeed strong, and the water splashed loudly against the rocks. “Don’t worry, Timmy,” Sammy said confidently. “I’ll help you!”
6 Timmy blinked. “How will you help me cross? I’m too slow, and I don’t want to get swept away.”
7 Sammy grinned. “Leave it to me!” He quickly dashed into the trees and returned with a sturdy branch. He laid it across the river like a bridge, securing it between two large rocks.
8 “There! Now you can walk across safely,” Sammy said proudly.
9 Timmy stared at the branch, his tiny legs trembling a little. “What if I slip?” he asked nervously.
10 “I’ll be right here with you,” Sammy promised. “Just take it one step at a time.”
11 Timmy took a deep breath and slowly crawled onto the branch. Step by step, he inched forward, his heart pounding with every move. Sammy stood nearby, cheering him on, “You’re doing great, Timmy! Keep going!”
12 With Sammy’s encouragement, Timmy made it halfway across the river. The branch wobbled a little, but Timmy kept going. Finally, with one last push, he reached the other side safely.
13 “I did it!” Timmy exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.
14 “I knew you could!” Sammy said, hopping across the branch himself.
15 From that day on, Timmy wasn’t as afraid to try new things. And whenever he needed a boost of confidence, Sammy the Squirrel was always there to lend a hand—or a branch.