Night Time Story: The Kindness of the Little Fox
The little red fox trembled as rain soaked through his fur. Lost in the unfamiliar forest, he had wandered far from home while chasing a butterfly.
Thunder boomed overhead, making him jump and whimper. Night was falling fast, and the forest grew darker by the minute.
“I want to go home,” cried the little fox, his voice barely a whisper against the drumming rain.
He spotted a small cave ahead and scurried inside, hoping to find shelter from the storm. But as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he froze.
A large badger sat at the back of the cave, staring at him with dark eyes. Everyone knew foxes and badgers weren’t friends. His mother had warned him many times to stay away from badgers.
“I’m sorry,” squeaked the fox, backing toward the cave entrance. “I didn’t know this was your home.”
The rain poured harder, and lightning flashed across the sky. The fox trembled, torn between fear of the badger and fear of the storm.
To his surprise, the badger’s gruff voice called out, “Don’t be silly. Come in before you catch a cold.”
Cautiously, the little fox crept deeper into the cave.
“You look lost,” said the badger, not unkindly.
The fox nodded sadly. “I was chasing a butterfly and now I can’t find my way home.”
The badger passed him a few berries. “Eat these. They’ll help you feel better.”
The fox gratefully accepted the berries. They sat in silence as the storm raged outside, the fox slowly relaxing as he realized the badger meant him no harm.
“Thank you for sharing your home,” said the fox after a while.
The badger smiled. “Everyone needs help sometimes.”
As morning came and the storm cleared, the badger stretched and said, “Come on, little one. I’ll help you find your way home.”
The fox was shocked. “You would do that for me?”
“Why not? The forest can be a dangerous place when you’re alone.”
Together they set off through the damp forest. The badger knew every path and stream. He showed the fox which berries were safe to eat and which mushrooms to avoid.
By midday, they reached a familiar clearing. The fox’s heart leaped with joy as he spotted his family den.
“That’s my home!” he cried excitedly.
The badger nodded. “Off you go then.”
But the fox hesitated. “Will I see you again?”
The badger seemed surprised by the question. “Would you like to?”
The fox nodded eagerly. “I could show you where the sweetest blackberries grow!”
The badger chuckled. “I’d like that.”
From that day on, the most unlikely friendship blossomed in the forest. The little fox visited the badger often, bringing treats and stories. And when other animals questioned their friendship, they simply smiled.
“Sometimes,” the badger would say, “the best friends come from the most unexpected places.”
And the little fox would nod in agreement, grateful for the stormy night that led him to his most treasured friend.
By Eliza Thornberry
