Little Ollie the ostrich chick was very curious. She loved watching the other chicks playing in the tall grass, but she couldn't seem to find her own family. They were always just out of sight, disappearing into the tall green plants.
Ollie hopped and skipped, her long legs carrying her swiftly. She called out, "Mama! Papa!" But only the wind answered her.
Ollie looked around. The sun shone brightly, warming the grassy plain. She saw other ostrich families happily strutting together, their bright feathers glistening in the sunlight.
One wise old ostrich, with feathers as soft as moss, spotted Ollie looking lost. She gently approached her. "Little one, are you looking for your family?"
"Yes," chirped Ollie, her eyes filled with worry. "I can't find them!"
The wise ostrich smiled. "Sometimes, the best things are hidden. Look closely. Watch carefully."
Ollie listened. She carefully examined the tall grass, her sharp eyes looking intently. She noticed small, hidden footprints in the soft earth and twigs carefully tucked into the leaves of the taller plants. The footprints led to a little opening in the tall grass.
She peeked inside. There, nestled in a cozy hollow were her Mama and Papa Ostrich and several other small chicks, all snug and warm. They were all busy burying food for the coming winter! Ollie had been so focused on finding them that she had overlooked the obvious clues.
Ollie ran to her family, her little heart singing with joy! She happily joined the other chicks, all working together. The soft feathers of Mama and Papa felt warm around her. Together, they all helped Mama bury food and find the perfect place to build their family nest.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the plain, Ollie cuddled close to her family, feeling safe and loved. She realized that sometimes, the most important thing is to look carefully and to be patient—especially when searching for those you love.
Ollie knew that her family was always there for her, watching over her. And she realized, with a happy heart, that all that was needed was a little kindness and a lot of observation to find her family.