Barnaby the bear cub loved exploring. He loved sniffing out the sweetest berries, chasing butterflies with wings like stained glass, and tumbling down mossy hills. One afternoon, while following a particularly dazzling butterfly, Barnaby wandered a little too far from his mama. He blinked, and suddenly, everything looked…different. The trees seemed taller, the shadows longer, and he couldn’t see his mama anywhere.
A little wobble started in Barnaby’s tummy. He called out, “Mama? Mama!” But only the rustling leaves answered. He was lost. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he sat down with a thump, feeling very small and very scared. Just then, a tiny light flickered nearby. It bobbed and weaved, getting closer and closer.
“Hello?” Barnaby sniffled. The light zipped right in front of his nose. It was Flicker, a little firefly with a very bright glow. “Are you lost, little bear?” Flicker asked, his light blinking in a friendly way. Barnaby nodded, tears rolling down his furry cheeks. “I can’t find my mama.”
“Don’t worry,” Flicker said. “I know these woods like the back of my…well, like I know where all the best glow-worms are! I know of a cozy cabin not far from here. Old Man Tiber, a very kind badger, lives there. He always helps lost creatures. We can go ask him for help.” Barnaby was hesitant. The woods *were* scary, even with Flicker’s light. But Flicker seemed so confident, and the thought of a cozy cabin sounded wonderful.
So, Barnaby and Flicker set off. Flicker zipped ahead, lighting the way through the trees, and Barnaby followed as best he could. They walked and walked, past whispering pines and babbling brooks. Finally, through the trees, Barnaby saw it – a small cabin with smoke curling from the chimney. A warm, golden light spilled from the windows.
Flicker zipped to the window and blinked his light rapidly. Soon, the cabin door creaked open, and a friendly badger with spectacles perched on his nose peered out. “Well now, what have we here?” Old Man Tiber chuckled. Flicker explained about Barnaby being lost, and Old Man Tiber immediately ushered them inside.
The cabin was even cozier inside. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and the smell of warm berry pie filled the air. Old Man Tiber gave Barnaby a slice of pie and a cup of warm milk. While Barnaby ate, Old Man Tiber used his special woodland radio (it ran on acorns!) to send a message to Barnaby’s mama.
It didn’t take long for Barnaby to hear a familiar voice calling his name. “Barnaby! Barnaby!” His mama burst through the cabin door, relief flooding her face. She scooped Barnaby into a big, warm hug. “Oh, Barnaby, I was so worried!”
Barnaby hugged his mama back tightly. He turned to Old Man Tiber and Flicker. “Thank you for helping me,” he said. Old Man Tiber smiled. “Anytime, little one. Remember, even when you’re scared, there’s always someone willing to help.” Flicker blinked his light in agreement. Barnaby’s mama thanked Old Man Tiber and Flicker, and then, with Barnaby safe in her arms, they headed home.
As Barnaby drifted off to sleep that night, snuggled close to his mama, he remembered Flicker’s bright light and Old Man Tiber’s kindness. He knew that even when things seemed scary, a little bravery and a little help from friends could make all the difference. And he knew, deep in his heart, that he would always remember his adventure in the woods and the cozy cabin that had helped him find his way home. Now close your eyes, little one, and let the warmth of the cabin and the glow of Flicker’s light fill your dreams.