The Giant Tree and the Little

In the very heart of Whispering Forest stood the oldest tree anyone had ever known.

The animals called him Grandfather Tree.

His trunk was so wide that dozens of squirrels could not reach around it together.

His great branches stretched across the forest, offering cool shade on warm days.

Birds built their nests among his leaves.

Rabbit napped beneath his branches.

Fox, Hedgehog, and Frog often gathered there to rest.

One bright spring morning, a tiny seed drifted down and landed beside Grandfather Tree.

It was no bigger than a pebble.

Soon, a little green sprout peeked through the soil.

Rabbit smiled and chuckled.

“That little sprout will never become a tree like this.”

Squirrel laughed.

“It will take a hundred years!”

Frog grinned.

“A strong breeze might blow it away before tomorrow.”

The tiny sprout said nothing.

It quietly stretched its little leaves toward the sunshine.

Grandfather Tree watched in silence.

Several days later,

dark clouds filled the sky.