Billy the goat was a little nervous. It was almost bedtime, and the moon hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the meadow. Billy loved bedtime, but tonight felt different. He was worried about the grumpy badger who lived under the old oak tree.
Billy had heard whispers about the badger. They said he was mean and lonely, but Billy thought maybe he just needed a friend. Billy had always been a kind goat, and kindness meant something to him. He decided he would try to help the badger.
Gathering his courage, Billy carefully approached the oak tree. He peeked under the roots and saw the badger, curled up in a small burrow, looking sad. Billy took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Hello?"
The badger startled and grumbled, "What do you want?" His voice was rough, but Billy didn't let it scare him. He explained that he'd heard the badger was lonely and offered to help in any way he could.
The badger was surprised. No one had ever offered to help him before. He reluctantly explained that he was struggling to find enough delicious clover for his supper. The clover patch was far away, and he was too tired to go alone.
Billy, brimming with newfound bravery and eager to display kindness, offered to help. He bounded through the meadow, his hooves barely making a sound on the soft grass. He found a huge patch of juicy clover and carefully brought it back to the badger.
The badger was amazed! He gobbled up the clover, his grumbles replaced with happy sighs. He thanked Billy profusely and confessed that he'd been lonely and scared. Billy’s kindness and bravery had touched his heart.
Billy and the badger spent the rest of the evening chatting under the stars. They discovered they had much in common, and made a new friend. Billy felt warm and happy, his earlier nervousness completely gone.
As the sun began to rise, painting the sky in beautiful colors, Billy and the badger said goodbye. Billy felt wonderful; making a friend and showing kindness was so rewarding. He happily skipped back home, ready for a good night's sleep, filled with dreams of adventures and helping others.
That night, Billy slept soundly. He dreamt of more clover, more friends, and more adventures – all thanks to a little bravery and a big heart.