Thunder cracks. Wind whooshes through the trees. Kai's three animal friends scatter in every direction. Kai grabs his yellow raincoat. His toes curl in his boots, but he takes a deep breath and steps into the wet leaves.
Tiny paw prints lead to the old oak tree. The rabbit is shivering under a big leaf. Kai holds the yellow raincoat open like an umbrella. "Hold on tight," he says. The rabbit's nose wiggles, and Kai keeps walking.
A chittering sound makes Kai look up. He climbs the mossy rock and sees the squirrel on a low branch, tail puffed wide. Kai reaches up slowly. The squirrel jumps onto his shoulder.
Kai's feet barely touch the ground as he balances down. The squirrel chitters softly against his ear. He thinks he is doing the right thing for his friends.
The path to the meadow is flooded. The frog hops on a floating log that keeps drifting away. Kai wades into the cold water and stretches his arm out. The frog hops onto his palm.
"Almost there," Kai thinks. He holds the frog close and keeps marching. Rain drips from the yellow raincoat in his other hand. The log spins in circles behind him.
A loud rumble shakes the ground. A thick branch crashes across the path. Kai's hands shake, but he picks up the frog and the rabbit. The squirrel jumps onto his head.
He steps over the branch, one foot, then the other. The rabbit grips his shirt. The frog sits quiet in his cupped hand. The squirrel peeks over his shoulder.
Through the trees, Kai sees his cottage door glowing ahead. He quickens his pace and the squirrel lets out a chitter. His boots splash through puddles.
All four animals pile onto the rug by the fire. The rabbit chews a carrot. The squirrel grooms its fluffy tail. The frog lets out a happy croak.
Kai sits down and wraps his arms around his knees. The fire pops warmly. Golden light fills the little room and the animals settle close together.
His friends are safe. Kai smiles and pokes the fire with a stick. The rabbit chews, the squirrel snoozes, and the frog rests its chin on its front paws.
