Fern Arable loved Wilbur the pig from the very moment he was born. He was the runt of the litter, small and weak, and Fern’s father was ready to… well, not let him live. But Fern pleaded and promised to take full responsibility, and her father agreed. Wilbur thrived under Fern’s loving care, growing bigger and pinker each day. He followed Fern everywhere, a happy little piglet with a big appetite for adventure.
As Wilbur grew, he moved to Zuckerman’s farm. Fern visited him often, but Wilbur missed being with her constantly. He was a little scared too, because Zuckerman’s farm was much bigger, and Wilbur didn’t know the other animals. He worried he wouldn’t make any friends.
Soon, Wilbur met Charlotte, a clever and kind spider who lived in the barn doorway. Charlotte wasn’t like the other barn animals. She was quiet and thoughtful, and she watched everything with her eight bright eyes. Wilbur was lonely, and Charlotte noticed. She decided to be his friend.
“You seem sad, Wilbur,” Charlotte said one day. “What’s wrong?” Wilbur explained how much he missed Fern and how worried he was about growing up. Charlotte listened patiently. “It’s alright to be scared, Wilbur,” she said. “But you are a wonderful pig, and you have so much to offer.”
Wilbur was surprised. No one had ever said anything like that to him before. He was just a pig, wasn’t he? Charlotte explained that everyone is special in their own way. She began to weave amazing words into her web above Wilbur’s pen: “Some Pig.” People came from miles around to see the incredible web and the remarkable pig.
Zuckerman was amazed! He realized Wilbur wasn’t just any pig; he was a special pig. Charlotte continued to weave words – “Terrific,” “Radiant,” “Humble” – each one making Wilbur feel prouder and more confident. She was using her talent to help Wilbur, and Wilbur was blossoming under her encouragement.
But as the days grew shorter, Wilbur noticed Charlotte wasn’t as energetic as before. She was getting weaker. Wilbur was heartbroken. He realized how much Charlotte meant to him. She had saved him, not just from being… well, not living, but from feeling unimportant.
Charlotte explained that she was nearing the end of her life cycle. She had lived a full life and was proud of the friendship she had made with Wilbur. She had used all her strength to help him, and that made her happy. Wilbur promised to remember her always.
After Charlotte passed away, Wilbur felt a deep sadness, but he also felt a great sense of gratitude. He had learned so much from her about friendship, courage, and believing in himself. He continued to live a happy life on Zuckerman’s farm, always remembering his dear friend.
Wilbur eventually had a family of his own, and he made sure his piglets knew all about Charlotte, the amazing spider who taught him that even the smallest creature can make a big difference. And as you drift off to sleep tonight, remember Wilbur and Charlotte, and know that true friendship can make anything possible. Close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams of kindness and courage.