In the sunny meadow, Misty spotted glittering petals skittering toward the woodland trail. Nearby, an overturned flower basket lay beside four puzzled friends. “A mystery!” Misty declared, while the breeze chased silver-pink blossoms between the grasses.
Misty followed the petals to tiny pawprints pressed into damp earth. The raccoon held a red scarf near the ground, and the bee hovered above the trail. At a puddle, the prints vanished. Everyone groaned—until one petal appeared on the moose’s green backpack.
A sneeze burst from the flower garden. “Achoo!” The bear’s pink tutu puffed like a parachute, revealing a blue ribbon tied to the garden gate. Misty studied the ribbon, then pointed toward the tiny animal homes tucked beneath the ferns.
The ribbon led Misty to a little doorway beneath the ferns. Then—whoosh!—a gust scattered the remaining petals across the trail and buried the entrance. Misty watched the blue bow flutter, thinking, “The answer is close. We must uncover it together.”
The moose lifted a fallen branch. The raccoon gathered petals, the bee buzzed directions, and the bear patted the dirt smooth. Their busy work made a cheerful racket. Beneath the last leaves, Misty’s bill touched something woven and familiar.
Misty tugged the basket free. Inside lay bright petals arranged beside a small welcome sign for the tiny animal homes. The trail had not been stolen at all. It had been carefully made as a surprise by the woodland neighbors.
Misty removed the blue detective hat and set it beside the basket. The bear, bee, raccoon, and moose formed a petal parade along the woodland trail. Petals flew, feet shuffled, wings hummed, and laughter rang beneath the trees.
At the tiny homes, the welcome sign waved in the breeze. One last glittering petal sailed across the path and landed neatly on Misty’s bill. Misty blinked, then marched onward with the parade as the little doors opened all around them.