On a golden afternoon in the heart of the forest, the animals planned a picnic. Ruby the fox spread a checked blanket, Bramble the bear brought honey and berries, and Pip the rabbit carried a basket of crisp apples.
High on a branch, wise old Ollie the owl watched with one sleepy eye, and Fern the little deer arranged acorn cups for everyone to share.
Just as they sat down, a small hedgehog peeked out from the ferns. He had no food to bring, and his tummy rumbled softly. He turned to walk away, feeling too shy to ask.
“Wait!” called Ruby. “Come and sit with us.” Pip patted the blanket. “A picnic is happier with more friends,” he said, and shared his sweetest apple.
The hedgehog’s eyes grew round with joy. He had never been invited to anything before. Soon he was laughing along with the others, telling funny stories about the little bugs he met under the leaves.
When the sun began to set, the friends agreed it had been the best picnic ever — not because of the honey or the berries, but because no one had been left out.
And from that day on, whenever the forest animals gathered, they always kept one place open on the blanket, ready for a new friend.
Good night, little one. Dream of sunny glades and friends who always make room for one more.