Owlette sat quietly, wings tucked in, watching the morning spread gold light between the branches. She listened as Squirrel and Mouse nibbled their acorns below. Every now and then, Squirrel would glance up at Owlette, as if waiting for more wisdom. But this time, Owlette had no neat answer in her feathers. She ruffled, thinking hard.
Suddenly, a flutter of wings sent a burst of wind swirling through the clearing. It was Raven, glossy and tall, landing beside Owlette with a caw. Raven was older and sometimes grumpy, but always curious. “Well, little wise one,” Raven croaked, “what’s the answer to today’s riddle?”
Owlette’s heart skipped. “What riddle?”
Raven peered at her with one shiny black eye. “Why do you think Squirrel feels happy giving away her acorn? Isn’t it better to keep everything you find for yourself? That’s what some birds do.”
Owlette’s mind raced. She thought of keeping things, of sharing, of how Mouse’s whiskers had twitched with joy. She also thought of how proud Squirrel had looked, even after giving something up. The forest seemed quieter, waiting for her reply.
“I think…” Owlette began, but her voice wobbled. She didn’t know if her answer would be right or wrong. She realized all her friends were listening, expecting her to know.
At that very moment, a strange sound echoed from deeper in the forest—a sharp, desperate squeak. Hedgehog’s nose twitched, and even Raven paused, head cocked. The sound came again, sharper, and much more frightened.
Owlette’s instincts tingled. Someone needed help. She glanced at her friends. Mouse’s ears perked up, Squirrel’s tail stood straight, and Raven had stilled, silver eyes narrowed with concern.
The decision pressed on Owlette’s shoulders. Should she rush to help, call for an adult, or listen a moment longer to understand what was happening? The whole forest seemed to hold its breath, and so did she.