Lily loved summer nights. The air was warm, the fireflies blinked their tiny lights, and the crickets chirped their sleepy song. But tonight was extra special – the sky was full of big, fat raindrops, promising a wonderful summer shower.
Lily’s pet frog, Freddie, sat on her windowsill, watching the rain with wide, bulging eyes. He was a small, green frog with a surprisingly grumpy expression, but Lily knew he secretly loved the rain.
“It’s going to be a really big storm!” Lily whispered, excited. Freddie just blinked slowly, his grumpy face unreadable.
Lily decided to do something special. She fetched a small, clear umbrella and carefully placed it over Freddie, making sure he was perfectly protected from the downpour. Then, she sat by the window, watching the rain dance on her umbrella.
The rain poured down, each drop a tiny, glistening jewel. Lily watched as it filled the birdbath in her garden, making tiny ripples. She saw how it helped the thirsty flowers drink deeply, their petals growing brighter with each drop.
Suddenly, Freddie hopped off the windowsill. Lily gasped, worried that he might get soaked. But then she saw him – he was carefully hopping towards a small puddle forming near the window box, his eyes focused on something small and brown.
Lily held her breath. It was a little earthworm, wriggling helplessly in the increasingly deep puddle. Without hesitation, Freddie carefully nudged the worm with his nose toward the dry edge of the window box.
He nudged and nudged, patiently guiding the worm to safety. Lily's heart warmed. She hadn't realised Freddie could be so kind. He worked steadily, never giving up until the worm was safely out of the water.
Finally, when the worm was safe, Freddie hopped back onto the windowsill, nestled under Lily's umbrella. He looked at Lily, a tiny smile playing around his usually grumpy mouth.
Lily smiled back. She had never thought of rain as anything other than a bit of a nuisance. But watching the rain and Freddie's kindness taught her that even a summer storm could be wonderful, full of small miracles and opportunities to be patient and kind.
The rain eventually slowed to a gentle drizzle. Lily and Freddie snuggled together, listening to the soft patter on the roof. Lily felt peaceful and content. She had learned to appreciate the beauty of nature, and the kindness of even a grumpy little frog. As sleepiness crept over her, she knew it had been a truly magical night under the summer rain.
And as she drifted off to sleep, Lily dreamt of dancing raindrops and a very happy little green frog.