28th Apr 2025
In a big, green forest, there was once a grumpy tree. It was the tallest tree around, with bark as rough as an old castle. "Why should I share my shadow?" the tree would grumble loudly. The animals whispered, "We wish he would let us rest; his shadow is so big and cool!" But the tree just stood there, arms crossed, refusing to share, even on the hottest days.
One chilly winter, a little girl named Lila moved in with her grandma nearby. One day, she saw the big grumpy tree shivering. Lila rushed to her house and found a bright blue scarf. "I will warm the tree!" she said with a smile. As she wrapped the scarf around the tree, the Spirit of the Forest appeared and said, "Lila, the tree is lonely because it never shares. But you are very kind!" The next spring, the tree learned from Lila's warmth and bent down to shade her from the sun.
As summer approached, the tree continued to change. Whenever a bird flew by, looking for a place to rest, the tree would wave its branches gently, inviting them to perch. "Come, rest here," it would say in a voice as soft as a breeze. The animals began to gather beneath its wide canopy, grateful for the cool shade. "Thank you," chirped the little birds, and the tree felt a warmth it had never known before, even under the sun's hot rays.
One sunny afternoon, Lila came by with a basket full of seeds. "We will plant a garden," she announced, her eyes twinkling like stars. With Lila's guidance, the tree helped by dropping its leaves to enrich the soil. Together, they watched as colorful flowers began to bloom around the tree's trunk, attracting cheerful butterflies and bees. The garden became a haven, and the tree, once grumpy, now stood proud and happy, a home for all who needed shelter.
The Spirit of the Forest watched from afar, pleased with the tree's transformation. "You have learned the magic of sharing," it whispered through the rustling leaves. The tree, now full of life and laughter, bowed its branches in gratitude. And so, the grumpy tree was grumpy no more, having found joy in companionship and the kindness shared by Lila. It stood tall and content, never forgetting the warmth a simple blue scarf once brought.
