A strong gust of wind swept through the pine forest and snatched Pip's red scarf right off his neck! He gave chase, his paws skidding over pinecones as the Forest Festival drums beat behind him.
Pip's ears flattened against his head as he bounded down the path. Ahead, the Forest Festival twinkled with lanterns and the happy chatter of his village friends.
Pip skidded to a stop. A small hedgehog was tangled in the brambles, letting out soft squeaks. Pip's ears drooped with worry.
Pip pushed carefully through the thorny branches, one paw gentle, until the hedgehog popped free with a soft pop. The hedgehog offered him a shiny beet, but Pip was already running again.
Pip's ears perked forward. Ahead, the creek shimmered between the roots of ancient oaks, and something small and brown shivered by the water.
A tiny mouse was shivering by the creek, its fur soaked and cold. Pip frowned, then curled his tail around the mouse and led it to a pile of dry leaves.
The mouse nibbled the crumb Pip left behind and chirped a thank you. Pip waved and dashed onward, his red scarf fluttering behind him.
Further along, Pip spotted his red scarf caught on a low branch. He skidded to a stop, one paw raised. Something was wrapped inside it.
A baby bird was wrapped tight in the warm wool, trembling. It looked up at Pip and let out a tiny squeaky yawn.
Pip carefully untangled the scarf and wrapped it snugly around the bird's tiny body. The bird chirped a happy song, nestling deep into the warmth. Pip trotted toward the Festival with light steps.