One scorching summer afternoon, forest critters scurried around the woods, looking for cool shade among the towering trees. One scarlet ant named Hazelleaf was parched. He slowly crawled through the dried crass to the crystal-clear river for a drink of water. The rocks were slippery with moss, and Hazelleaf slipped, and fell into the fast-flowing river.

“Help! I can’t swim!” wailed Hazelleaf. Bluebell, a calm mourning dove, who was flying near the river looking for berries, heard this and quickly tore an oak leaf. She flew down to the river and threw the leaf to Hazelleaf. The ant strove to get on the oak leaf. Once he did, Hazelleaf drifted down the river, docked on a rock, and jumped onto the riverbank.

“Thank you!” he exclaimed to Bluebell. “I nearly died, but at least I’m not hot anymore.”

“You’re welcome,” Bluebell replied, cooing like the wind. Hazelleaf hoped to repay her. Soon, a burly bird hunter emerged from the forest. Hazelleaf witnessed the hunter seize a net out of his leather bag to capture Bluebell. The dove was intently devouring cloudberries and didn’t notice anything. The bird hunter crept behind the distracted dove, careful not to step on anything, which could alarm the bird. He slowly lowered the net over Bluebell’s head.

Hazelleaf, who was angry that the hunter wanted to hurt his friend, thought of a plan to ingeniously save Bluebell. Hazelleaf dashed to the unsuspecting bird hunter and violenty bit him.

“Ahh! My leg, my poor leg!” shrieked the hunter. Bluebell flew off into the clouds, frightened and relieved. The bird hunter bolted screaming and sobbing, “I don’t have anything for dinner!” Hazelleaf and Bluebell became loyal friends and helped one another. A kind act is rewarded with another.

The Power of a Good Deed

By Norah M., Age 13