Storm dashed through the whispering trees, his orange tail streaming like a flag behind him.
A grumpy badger shuffled past. "All fluff and no sense," he grunted. Storm's ears flattened. He watched his scrunched-up reflection in the pond and curled his tail around his paws.
Storm hopped along the mossy path, trying to whistle. But the badger's words echoed in his head. A squirrel chattered, "Too slow to climb!"
Storm dropped the pinecone he'd been balancing and kicked it. It rolled into the stream.
Storm hurried to the old oak where Olive sleeps and hopped onto her branch. "My thoughts feel heavy," he said, tugging his scruffy tail.
Olive dropped a miniature clear umbrella into his paws. "Hold it up." The unkind words floated toward Storm like autumn leaves, tapping against the umbrella and sliding off into the grass.
A hawk circled overhead. "Tiny fox, big fool!" Storm raised the umbrella. The hawk's cry bounced off like a pebble skipping water.
Storm stood tall, his tail held high. He dashed back toward the sparkling stream.
Storm returned to the Reflection Pond. His reflection showed a proud fox with bright eyes.
He dipped his paw in the water, sending shimmering rings across the surface.
A young rabbit hopped by. Storm offered a blueberry with a wink.
"Thanks, Storm!" the rabbit chirped. Storm watched the rabbit scamper off, his tail swishing in a happy rhythm.