The Whispering Woods and the Lost Laughter

Previously

…Lily beamed, her heart swelling with a warmth that had nothing to do with her own giggles. She had come to this place of frowns and silence, and she had accidentally brought a little bit of joy. The path home still seemed a long way off, and Barnaby was still a badger, but for the first time, Lily felt like she might actually be able to help these sad, shy creatures find their missing laughter. The Whispering Woods might be a forest of frowns, but perhaps, just perhaps, it was also a forest that was ready to learn how to smile.