The jungle river whispered through tall green grass. The young elephant stepped into the water, ripples spreading all around her legs.
A fallen log blocked the path. She lifted it with her trunk and pushed it aside. A line of ants waved their tiny legs. Thank you.
A blue bird fell from its nest, wings caught in a tangled vine. She knelt and gently worked each loop free.
The little bird chirped happily and hopped right onto her head. She blinked, then kept walking as if that were perfectly normal.
Dark clouds rolled over the treetops. Thunder cracked, and a heavy branch snapped from an ancient tree, crashing down in front of the watering hole.
She pushed with all her might. The branch did not move. Her ears drooped low, and she tapped her foot in the mud.
She stepped back and spotted a long hollow reed. She picked it up and blew as hard as she could — a deep rumbling sound echoed through the clearing.
The rumble shook the branch loose. It tumbled into the water with a giant splash. Everyone froze.
Then the blue bird let out a tiny squeak-laugh. Slowly, the jungle began to hum again.
Birds began to sing. Ants clicked their legs. Animals splashed and cheered at the clear watering hole.
All the animals gathered around her. She stood in the middle, trunk curled around a bright flower, and the whole jungle sang together.
The young elephant closed her eyes and listened. The jungle had never sounded so happy.