The Savanna Pines glow gold in the late afternoon. Lions, birds, and rabbits gather at the forest edge to share songs and stories.
The elephant trumpets — a deep rumbling sound that shakes the ground. Leo opens his mouth wide. Pfft. Only a tiny squeak comes out.
Leo shrinks back into the grass. His ears droop flat against his head. The dry leaves crunch softly under his paws as he retreats.
He tries again. A bird trills a pretty song. Leo tries to copy — but a wrong note wobbles out. A rabbit hops in a bouncy dance. Leo tries too — and tumbles into the grass.
The wind rustles the Acacia branches above. Leo watches the others perform together, sitting apart from the joyful group.
Leo sits alone at the edge of the gathering. He lets out a tiny frustrated squeak that barely sounds like a roar. A leaf trembles on the branch above.
Elephant turns and notices Leo's small form sitting apart. 'Little one,' he rumbles gently, 'what troubles you?'
Leo takes a deep breath. He stands tall, fills his tiny chest, and lets out the loudest, proudest roar he can — ROAR!
The roar echoes through Savanna Pines. Every animal freezes — then bursts into delighted laughter and cheers!
'That was wonderful!' calls the bird. 'Show us again!' hops the rabbit. The elephant claps his great ears together. Everyone cheers for Leo.
Leo stands tall in the center of his friends, chest puffed out. Elephant gently nudges him with his trunk. The savanna glows golden around them.
Leo purrs a happy little rumble that sounds exactly like himself. The savanna Pines glow warm and bright around his new friends.