Horace the hedgehog was a very busy little creature. He loved to tidy his burrow, collect berries, and build little leaf piles. But Horace had a secret: he *always* tried to do everything all by himself. “I can do it!” he’d puff, even when things were very, very difficult.
One autumn afternoon, Horace decided to gather extra-fluffy leaves for his winter bed. He wanted the coziest bed ever! He rolled and pushed, but the leaves were much bigger than he was. He rolled one small pile, then another, but it was slow work. He huffed and puffed, and his little legs began to wobble.
Rosie the rabbit hopped by. “Hello, Horace! What are you up to?” she asked cheerfully. Horace, determined to do it alone, mumbled, “Just… getting leaves.” He tried to push a particularly large pile, but it wouldn’t budge. He strained and grunted, but the leaves stayed put.
Rosie noticed Horace struggling. “That looks heavy! Would you like some help?” Horace hesitated. Asking for help felt… strange. He always did things himself! But the leaves *were* very heavy. Finally, he whispered, “Okay… maybe just a little.”
Rosie grinned. “Wonderful!” She nudged the leaves with her strong legs, and together, they quickly moved the pile towards Horace’s burrow. Soon, Barnaby Bear ambled past. “Need a hand?” he boomed kindly. Horace, feeling braver now, said, “Yes, please! We’re making my winter bed extra cozy.”
Barnaby easily rolled a huge pile of leaves, and Rosie and Horace helped arrange them. It took much less time with friends! Soon, Horace had the fluffiest, warmest leaf pile he’d ever seen. He snuggled into it with a happy sigh.
“Thank you, Rosie and Barnaby,” Horace said sincerely. “I thought I could do it all myself, but it was much easier – and more fun – with your help!” Rosie and Barnaby smiled. “Anytime, Horace!” said Rosie. “That’s what friends are for,” added Barnaby.
Horace realized that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness, but a way to work together and make things even better. From that day on, Horace still loved to be busy, but he wasn’t afraid to ask his friends for a little help when he needed it. And that made everything even cozier.