Hazel scampered along the mossy path. Something peeked out from under a toadstool — a baby bird, shivering.
She lowered herself down and nudged the chick with her nose. It gave a weak chirrup and fluttered its stubby wings.
Hazel wrapped her fluffy tail around the little bird and set off up the trail. The stream gurgled nearby.
She climbed higher, pausing on a wide knot to nuzzle the chick. Then she hopped onward, ears alert.
A sudden gust rattled the leaves. Hazel clung tight, ears flattening, then gave a brave little hop.
She climbed on, paws clicking against the bark, until she reached the nest at the very top.
The mother bird swooped down and dropped a shiny berry into the chick's beak. The baby nestled against her.
Hazel scampered back down the trunk, paws light and happy. The babbling stream welcomed her home.