u/TheDecentGuyShow

Animals in a Forest By Grant.

The Squirrel that Did One Thing Every Day

A squirrel named Derble sat in the fall sun, happily nibbling on a delicious acorn. His belly felt round and full. Then he remembered his mom was home with a broken foot. She’d fallen doing something silly, so she couldn’t gather food for the winter. That spring, she asked him to do one thing every day. She wanted him to collect and bury acorns. He did, but half the time he forgot where he’d put them. Still, that winter, he’d dig up a few every day and bring them to her. Inside their nest, high in a sturdy tree it was cold and dull. But they spent the days talking about the fun times they’d had in the sun. She told him stories of beautiful faraway places and where the sweetest berries grew. Somehow, the winter didn’t feel so long. When the first green leaves grew, they climbed down to the field and stretched in the sunshine. There were still a few of his buried acorns left to find, but he wasn’t sure where. It didn’t matter, there was food growing everywhere. But he noticed a lot of new trees sprouting all over.

The Beaver that Needed Help

A young beaver was building his first dam and lodge. But, he was afraid he wouldn't finish before winter. One night a possum walked by. Beaver asked if he would be willing to help. Possum said he would if he could live in the lodge and get free meals. Beaver was very appreciative while welcoming him inside and then shared his food.
Beaver started early and worked hard all day. Possum slept late into the evening. When he finally got up, he said he was hungry. Beaver fed him again and talked about his plans for tomorrow. The next morning Beaver woke Possum early and asked him to help. But Possum said they needed more hands to get the job done. He came back that evening with several rats. Beaver welcomed them in while serving food and explained what they could do to help. But, the next day, the rats chewed on Beaver’s dam and weakened it. He told Possum the rats were doing more harm than good. Possum promised he would bring more help. That evening Beaver had made a lot of progress. When Possum returned he was followed by a murder of crows. The crows didn’t help either. For a few days they just ate all the nearby food and built nests in his home. The rats broke part of his dam that he had to repair. Beaver was eventually frustrated and annoyed. He insisted that everyone leave his lodge, including Possum. But the other animals all decided they'd helped build this place just as much as Beaver had and agreed he was being selfish. They all ignored his demands and fell asleep in his home. The next morning Beaver knew the other animals didn't want to help him. They just wanted to help themselves to the fruits of his labor. So, he chewed through the supports that held his dam in place. He watched as his home and mistakes were washed away down the stream. Then he started again. He worked alone this time and did things the right way. He finished his new home just as it became very cold outside. The next spring he met the love of his life and they started a family. He warned his kits to be very careful of who they trusted and to protect what they build.

The Bird that Didn't Sing

Once there was a nest in a tall tree. Most of the tiny chicks had hatched and chirped at their mother as she fed them. A little bird realized he was still inside his egg. So, he pecked with all his strength until he was free. The world was bright and cold outside. He tried to stand on wobbly legs as he watched his siblings. He wanted to join in. But when he tried, the sound he made was weird. His brothers and sisters fell silent and stared. One of them began to laugh at him and then they all did. He stayed quiet after that. When his mother fed them, she would feed the loudest chirps first. So, he was always last and sometimes she forgot to feed him at all. As they grew, his mother would perch on a branch nearby and sing a beautiful song. His siblings all learned the melody and sang it perfectly. He wanted to try, but he didn't know how and he was afraid he would sound different. One day the other nestlings nervously attempted to fly, but they all returned home quickly. The little bird bravely jumped from the nest and found that he naturally flew very well. He soared high into the sky, then he glided to land on a branch by the stream. He wouldn't be heard here, so he tried to sing like his family. But his song was very different from theirs. He was embarrassed of his strange sounds. An old fish was quietly listening from the stream, “Your song is so beautiful and unique. I've never heard anyone sing that way.” The little bird assumed the fish was making fun of him. As he flew away, “I'm sorry if the noise bothered you.” He soared high in the sky and did loop-de-loops. He loved the freedom of flight. He could go anywhere he wanted. But that evening, he went back home. A few days later, he was at the stream again. This time, he decided to just sing what felt natural. After a little while his song sounded sweet to him and he started to enjoy his odd melody. He perched in silence for a moment and then heard applause. The old fish and a school of his friends cheered from the stream. “That was amazing!” “So beautiful…” “I've never heard anything like that!” “Your siblings all sing the same song. But, you are something special.” The little bird flew away, “I just want to be normal.”

One day a princess and her guards arrived in the forest. She announced she wanted to find a bird that sang in a unique way. She promised they would live safely in a golden cage and she would feed them fancy foods. The little bird watched his family as they all took turns singing their best version of the same beautiful song. But, the princess was bored with the normal melodies. Then she saw the silent little bird and asked if he had a song. His siblings laughed and one of them said, “He doesn't sing, he’s weird.” The princess looked at the little bird, “If you sing a unique melody for me, I will keep you in a beautiful golden cage in my castle. You will be safe and well fed.” The little bird wanted to sing his song and show his siblings he was unique, not weird. But, he thought of a life in a cage. He wouldn't be able to fly or see new places. So, instead he flew away, high into the sky to enjoy his freedom. He sang his song loudly to himself as he twirled.

The Raccoon that Didn't Speak Duck

Raccoon was new to this forest. It was thickly overgrown, keeping him safe and well fed. He didn't plan to stay, but he liked it here. Each morning, he would stop and say hello to the other animals. He wasn't very good at speaking their languages, but he liked to try. Squirrel chittered too fast and used strange combinations of words. He would tell elaborate stories, often laughing as he spoke. Raccoon would listen carefully, waiting for a pause. Then he would try to respond in Squirrel’s language, “You nice and kind. Me sleep.” Squirrel would giggle and wave, “You are getting better.” Armadillo was easier to understand, more like an accent than a language. Raccoon would say, “Howdy. How ya'll doin’?” Armadillo was a bit of a hermit, but always very pleasant. He'd say, “I'm fat 'n’ fed. How's you and yours?” They'd always talk awhile. Next, Raccoon walked by the pond. Turtle would be on a rock in the sun. He spoke slowly and in such a deep, low tone, it was hard to understand him. But he was clearly a very kind soul. The ducks would run when they saw Raccoon. So, he never learned their language.

One night the sky was angry, cracking and rumbling. Raccoon watched from his hideyhole in a tall, sturdy tree. Clouds swirled while the wind pushed and pulled at branches. But there was no rain. Suddenly lightning struck very nearby. A vicious fire leapt from the overgrown tinder. The forest quickly began to burn in all directions. Raccoon wanted to run toward safety but first he had to warn the other animals. Armadillo was in his den nearby. Raccoon ran and yelled down the entrance, “Fire! Run!” Armadillo nodded as he quickly fled. Turtle was sleeping on a rock. In his lowest voice, Raccoon yelled, “Fire!” Turtle thanked him and disappeared deep into the pond. Raccoon ran to the old oak tree, “Squirrel! Fire! Danger! You run!” Squirrel chirped something quickly as he scurried away with his family. The flames were moving very fast now. As Raccoon ran away, he saw two lost ducklings hiding in the brush. “Fire! Run!” he shouted. But they didn't understand. He didn't speak duck. They were terrified and thought he wanted to eat them. “Danger!” he tried again. Still they were more afraid of him than the flames. Raccoon ran toward the inferno. He didn't want to scare the ducklings, but they needed to flee from the flames. He turned back and charged at them. “I'm gonna eat you!” he growled, showing his sharp teeth. The ducklings fearfully ran toward safety. The raging forest fire was just behind them. Mercifully, rain began to fall heavily.

The next day, Squirrel, Turtle and Armadillo gathered by the pond, trading stories. The forest was scorched, but most of the tall trees would survive. Ashes still drifted through the air and everything smelled like smoke. None of them had seen Raccoon, but they all hoped he was safe. The year before Raccoon found the forest, a gaze of raccoons had passed through. They’d eaten everything, even Duck’s eggs. Then they just moved on, leaving the other animals hungry. So when her ducklings huddled around her, chirping fearfully about the mean raccoon who’d chased them, Duck was furious. She waddled up to the other animals, her children followed. “Where is that awful raccoon!?” She demanded, “He scared my babies!”

Squirrel, perched on a blackened branch, barked, “Awful!? He risked his life to wake me and saved my family from this terrible fire. Do not ever speak unkindly of that brave raccoon! And we have not seen him since he saved our lives!” Armadillo dusted soot from his snout and grunted, “He done hollered, Fire! Saved my hide." Turtle, half submerged in the rippling pond, gurgled slowly, “I assure you, he was trying to help. Your children wouldn't have understood.” The ducklings began to see that the raccoon had just wanted to drive them away from the flames. His cries of “Fire!” and “Danger!” echoed in their minds. But, his words were no longer frightening. He’d been fierce only to protect. He’d acted with compassion and concern.

Later that day, Raccoon limped back to the pond. He'd lost too much fur to flames and had a few bad burns. The other animals welcomed him warmly, giving him thanks and praise. Duck waddled up and quacked at Raccoon. Her babies shyly peeked from behind her. Turtle translated, “She's thanking you.” Duck quacked more. Squirrel took over, “She is very grateful that you heroically protected her helpless children. She says she is profoundly sorry for misjudging you before trying to get to know you. If she can help in any way, just ask.” Raccoon looked at Squirrel, in a hoarse voice, “Please thank her. Tell her I'm very sorry I scared her kids. I didn't know what else to do, I don't speak duck." Squirrel chittered and then translated Duck’s reply, “Your kindness speaks much louder than words. But, she would be very happy to teach you her language and to learn yours.”

Soon the forest was healing and green. Plants bloomed again and food was plentiful. Raccoon still stopped to talk to each of the animals on his way home. But now, he especially enjoyed chatting with Duck and her kids. She was fiercely protective, but also funny and kind. Her quickly growing children all had very distinct personalities. They couldn't pronounce his name so they just called him Uncle in their language. He suddenly felt like he belonged in this forest. He hadn't planned to stay. But, he couldn't imagine leaving now. So, the forest became his permanent home.

Animals in a Storm

One day Raccoon saw angry storm clouds quickly coming toward the forest. He warned the other animals, but most of them decided to hide and wait it out. He led Duck and her kids away from the thunder. While marching, they met a squirrel named Derble. He'd somehow absentmindedly gotten turned around and was lost. He was trying to remember which direction he’d come from. Raccoon did his best to speak squirrel and asked him to follow them. Derble happily joined the animal's parade. Then a little bird flew down and landed next to them. In a strange voice, he warned the animals to get inside. He said he was trying to find a safe place to hide and they should as well. Raccoon asked the little bird to join them, they were looking for safety too. The animals followed the stream and eventually met Beaver. Raccoon asked if he knew where they could go to be safe from the storm. Beaver said he couldn’t help them, but wished them luck. Raccoon thanked him and the animals marched on. But as they walked away, it began to rain heavily. Beaver cautiously called out to them. He said they could stay with him. But only until the storm passed, then they would have to leave. That night Beaver’s kits and the ducklings played games and laughed. The animals shared stories as the wind and thunder shook the lodge. Duck told jokes and made everyone chuckle. But, Derble laughed so hard he rolled on the ground crying. The storm raged outside and gusts of wind threatened to break the lodge into pieces. The roof began to leak in a few places. Beaver went to work repairing a spot. Raccoon watched for a moment and then did his best to mimic the way Beaver weaved the sticks. Duck told her children to stay there. She disappeared but quickly returned with twigs and vines to help with the repairs. Derble could fit into small places the others couldn’t reach. Fixing the roof was like building a nest the way his mom had taught him. When the animals finished their work, the little bird sang a beautiful song and they all danced joyfully. The next day, the sky was bright blue and clear. The animals thanked Beaver for his hospitality. He said they were all welcome to come by anytime. Raccoon promised Derble he would help him find his home. Duck built a new nest on the edge of Beaver’s calm stream. The little bird settled nearby too and started a family. His children sang beautiful unique songs of their own. All the animals felt safe and welcome in the forest.

Fawn and Minnow

A little deer was taking her first drink from a murky lake. It was warm and tasted stale. A young fish bravely swam up and asked, “What's it like being on the land?” Fawn grinned, “It’s pretty normal to me. What's it like to breathe underwater?” Minnow thought for a moment, “It's dark and I can't see very far. Up here, everything is bright and beautiful. Can you fly like birds?” Fawn laughed, “No, but I can jump. Would you like to see?” Minnow watched in wonder as Fawn leapt high in the air. The small fish was shocked, “That was amazing! I'm gonna try!” He swam deep into the lake and then with all his might he tried to jump high into the sky. He didn't quite leave the water, “Did you see? Did I fly?” Fawn smiled, “Almost, you should keep practicing. My mother is calling. Maybe I'll see you next time?” Minnow was excited, “I sure hope so!” The next time Fawn walked toward the lake, Minnow was already waiting and very happy, “It's so good to see you! Have you seen new places?” Fawn wished she had something interesting to say. She talked about the forest’s many berries and flowers. Minnow was silent with wide eyes and then asked what a berry was. The next time Fawn visited the lake, she brought Minnow some berries to try. He was very excited. They tasted odd to him. But they were new so he loved them. He said he’d explored the lake many times and it was always the same. He liked the lily pads because they had flowers sometimes. But he wished he could fly to see new places. He said the other fish all felt safe in the lake, but he felt trapped. A few days later Fawn came to see him again. She told him about a nearby river where fish lived. It was just downhill from the lake. It ran through the whole forest and was so long she didn't know where it started or ended. Minnow imagined the freedom of swimming in that river. One day Fawn brought a lovely flower for Minnow to see, but he didn't come to meet her. She hoped he was safe and sadly dropped the flower in the water. Fawn kept going to the lake hoping Minnow would be there. Many moons later, she saw a fish deep in the water, “Is that you Minnow? Where have you been?” Minnow cautiously swam up to her, “One day I was practicing trying to fly and a hawk swooped down. He almost got me. It was really scary. I don't want to fly anymore. I’ve been staying deep in the lake. That's where I belong. But I missed you. I was hoping you'd be here. I wanted to thank you for telling me about the world. And I wanted to say goodbye. It's not safe for me up here. You've been my best friend. But it was silly for a fish and a deer to be friends.” Fawn was heartbroken, “I understand. I'll always remember you.” Then Minnow swam deep into the lake. Rain drops started to fall on a very sad little deer. It rained heavily for many days. Minnow heard the other fish say they'd seen the lake was overflowing. It'd created a little stream that flowed all the way to the nearby river. That was new, so he wanted to see it. A little stream was flowing downhill and he wondered if it really reached the river. So, he swam with all his might toward the hope of freedom. A few days later Fawn was drinking from the crisp, clear river when a full grown fish leapt from the water and high into the air. Minnow shouted with glee, “I made it! I'm free! I've missed you so much!” As he splashed back into the water, Fawn jumped in joy. They shared stories of the adventures they'd had while apart and laughed. They talked every day after that. A fish and a deer had become best friends.

Otter and Owlet

Otter was getting old in his beautiful sparkling lake. His pups had all grown up and started families of their own. So, he'd become lazy. He rarely talked to anyone and he was fine with that. He enjoyed the peace and quiet while floating on his back, eating clams and remembering his long life.
One day a young owl was squeaking loudly on the bank. Otter was quickly annoyed, “What's the problem son?” Owlet was panicked, “There was a fire and I flew away, but now I'm lost. I don't know how to find my family and I'm scared.” Otter had seen smoke nearby but the fire hadn't reached his lake, “You must be very lost, I haven't heard an owl around here for a long time.” Owlet looked very afraid and began to cry. Otter felt bad for upsetting him, “Calm down, just fly back where you came from.” Owlet started sobbing, “I can't. I burnt my feathers, I can't get off the ground. Wolves are gonna get me.” Otter assured him, “I haven't seen a wolf around here for a very long time. Dry your eyes, you're as safe as a grounded bird could be. Are you hungry?” Owlet wiped his eyes and nodded. Otter dipped under the water for a few moments and then returned with a big crawfish. He dropped it in front of the tiny owl, “Eat and I'll make you a nest for the night. Your feathers will grow back soon.” Otter made a soft bed of leaves and cottontail fluff in a little hole under a tall tree, “The owls I’ve met are very smart. If you made it out safely, I’m sure the rest did too and they’ll be looking for you. Sleep here tonight and we’ll probably hear them in the morning.” Owlet was very grateful and thanked him. He tried to sleep, but being on the ground was scary. He didn't know what could get him. Otter brought the tiny owl more food the next morning. But Owlet stayed at the entrance to his burrow. He looked very tired and worried. Otter asked kindly, “Did you sleep?” Owlet shyly admitted, “No, I wanted to be in a tree all night. I was really scared. Snakes, spiders, and foxes could all get me.” Otter imagined how he would feel being away from his lake, “I can't help you build a nest in a tree. But, soon you'll make your own. Being cautious and careful is clever, but that's very different from fearing life.” Owlet felt a little safer that night in the comfy little burrow Otter had made for him. He quickly fell deep asleep. Over the next few weeks, Otter would take the tiny owl on longer and longer walks. He would tell him funny stories about his long life. Like the time he'd wanted to climb a tree as a pup. His siblings had watched as he tried. But he'd quickly fallen on his back and the air was knocked out of him. They were all very worried, but soon he’d caught his breath again. Then they'd all laughed at how silly his idea had been.
Owlet's wing slowly grew new feathers and eventually he could awkwardly fly short distances. He built a nest in a tall tree near the lake. He still relied on Otter for food, who kept encouraging him to be brave. But he was still very afraid of the forest and other animals. One evening Otter was walking home when he saw a wolf between him and his lake. He froze in fear. He hadn't heard an owl for a long time before the fire. So, it made sense that other animals would have fled, including this wolf. His old legs couldn't save him and he knew this might be the end of his long story. Owlet suddenly screeched loudly and flew just over the wolf's head. It was distracted as Otter ran for the safety of his lake. He reached it and dived in. Then he watched Owlet fly back to his tree. He was proud of the brave tiny owl and very grateful for his help.

Snapping Turtle and the Little Bunnies

Snapping Turtle had lived in the lake his whole life. For many years he'd felt safe knowing he was close enough to see it at any time. Everyday he did the same thing. He'd eat until his belly was half full and drink some water. Then he would collect random things and stack them on his shell. He'd add beautiful water lilies or sometimes lovely little wild flowers. He would find tasty roots and colorful berries to place neatly on his shell. Some days he'd find a unique smooth stone to add. Then he would slowly walk to a little hole in the ground by a big oak tree. He'd tilt his body and shake so all the random things would fall into the burrow. He didn't know why, it was just the way things had always been. His mother had done this, so he did too. Each day a few little bunnies’ heads would pop out of the hole and thank him. He never replied. Then he would slowly walk back to the lake and rest in the sun. One day he was walking home when he suddenly fell into a deep sinkhole. It was new. He looked at the tall, steep walls and knew he wouldn't be able to climb them. So, he accepted this was the way things were now. He calmly rested in the shadows. The next day, the little bunnies expected the turtle's gifts. But they never came and their bellies growled. The day after that, again nothing fell into their burrow. They became worried and decided the turtle might be hurt or in trouble. One of them said they should go look for food. But the others agreed they had to search for the turtle. So, they all bravely ran from their safe home to find him.
Soon a little bunny found him in a deep hole and called for the others. They tried to decide how to help. One of them said if they all dug together, they could make a way out. So, they worked tirelessly for a long time. Eventually they made a ramp wide enough for Snapping Turtle. He slowly walked out of the hole and back to the lake. He ate until his belly was half full and drank some water. Then he collected random things and stacked them neatly on his shell. But this time, he knew why.

A Monster in a Forest

Owlet saw a giant animal lumbering toward the lake and screeched an alarm. Otter dived into his lake. The little bunnies ran to their burrow. Snapping Turtle stayed on a rock in the sun. Owlet hooted loudly, “You’re not welcome here!” Bearel grumbled, “I know. I’m just thirsty, I’ll drink and then move on.” Owlet was relieved, “Don’t eat any fish, they're my friends.” Bearel sighed and then drank warm stale water, “I won't. I don't eat animals.” Owlet was curious, “Really? What do you eat?” Bearel grinned and thought of his favorite foods, “I like fruits, berries, roots and nuts. I used to love honey but bees die when they sting me. So, I don't like it anymore.” Owlet suddenly felt bad, “I didn’t mean to be rude. Why are you here?” Bearel wasn't used to being asked questions, “My mom said bears are solitary creatures. So, I've been wandering alone for a long time. I'm looking for a place to call my own.” Owlet thought for a moment, “Other animals have flocks, packs or families. It doesn't seem fair that you can't have a group of your own.” Bearel shrugged, “I'm used to being alone and lonely. I've tried to make friends but everyone is afraid of a big animal like me.” Owlet wasn’t afraid, “You're welcome to stay here, everyone is nice.” Bearel smiled, “Thank you, but I'd eat all your food. It's nice to talk to someone kind for once. Can I rest here for a while?” Owlet nodded. Bearel flopped down heavily in the sun and happily napped. Not very far away, Minnow was in the river telling Fawn about a new flower filled meadow he'd found. Then he saw danger, “Run! Wolf!” Fawn’s long legs began running before she could think. She sprinted quickly, not knowing where to go. She found herself passing by the lake and screamed, “Wolf!” Owlet hooted and repeated her warning. The wolf was close behind her. Bearel woke up and stood, showing his full frightening height. He roared like a monster. The wolf froze in fear. Then Bearel dropped to all fours with a thud. He started to run at the wolf while growling and picking up speed. The lake never saw a wolf again. But sadly, it never saw Bearel again either. He'd chased away the monster and then moved on.

Bearel's Nice Day

Fawn lived very close to a tall apple tree that grew delicious red fruit. Each year she waited for them to fall. But most of the ones she found were already rotten. The worms and bugs that ate them would probably taste better than what was left of the fruit. So every day she set out to find food in the forest. One morning, Bearel saw an apple tree with many ripe red fruits. He leaned against it and shook. Delicious apples rained down around him. He ate a few of the ripe red ones. But he preferred the tart, sour green ones. Then he left the rest for anyone that might be hungry and moved on. When Fawn returned home, she saw her yard filled with fresh, ripe red apples. She invited her neighbors to the feast and they all celebrated. Mouse was a caring and cautious mother. She knew the barn wasn't safe anymore. The farmer had gotten a new cat and her little ones were in danger. She decided to take them to where she'd grown up. It was a simple little hole in the ground. But it was safe and cozy. They traveled through the forest for a while when she saw a new river. They were stranded on the wrong side. Mouse knew they could never swim across it. Especially her little ones. They’d be swept away. Just then, a huge beast loudly lumbered along toward them. They all hid in the tall grass. Bearel scratched his back against an old dead tree and then flopped down to relax against it. He was nearly napping when the trunk suddenly gave way. The old tree collapsed and fell across a tiny stream. Bearel shook his head as he walked away, “I must’ve eaten too many apples. I'm getting very heavy.” Mouse and her little ones had watched as the giant pushed down a tree to make a bridge for them. Then he just moved on. The mice all happily ran across the huge fallen tree and over the raging river toward safety.
Later that day, Bearel walked along when he smelled something sweet. He saw a big bush full of berries. He ate more than enough and then took a short nap in the warm sun. A family of chipmunks used to eat from that berry bush. But now a snake would curl up in the sunlight and wait, hoping to gobble them up. So they avoided it and ran deep into the forest to search for food.
Snake slithered toward the berry bush, hoping he could find a silly chipmunk to fill his belly. But he saw a giant monster in his sunny spot. Bearel snored loudly and it sounded like a growl. Snake was terrified and slowly moved away. He never came back. Bearel soon woke up and moved on. When the chipmunks came home, Snake was nowhere to be found. So they cautiously gorged themselves on the sweet berries. Bearel walked for a while and found a meadow with a crisp, cool stream. He drank for a long time and smiled as he thought about his day. It had been nice to him. Great food, a sunny nap and now fresh water. He didn't want for anything. As night fell, he rested in the field of soft grass. He drifted off to sleep and had sweet dreams of tart green apples.

The End.