High up in the snowy meadows, winter covered every rock and tree with a white, sparkling blanket. Among the pine bushes lived a little rabbit as white as the snow itself. Because of her silky coat, everyone called her Snowdrop.
Snowdrop was small but full of energy. She loved to hop across the frozen fields, leaving tiny paw prints like stars in the snow. Her best friends were Pema the red panda and Chumo the blue Himalayan magpie. Together they played hide-and-seek between rhododendron shrubs and shared stories under the glowing moon.
One morning, as the friends chased each other, Chumo warned, “Snowdrop, the snow leopards are hunting. Be careful where you wander.”
Snowdrop twitched her nose. “I’m quick and clever,” she said. But curiosity tugged at her.
She had heard of a secret spring deep inside the forest a place where warm water bubbled even in the coldest winter. “I must see it,” she thought. Ignoring Chumo’s calls, Snowdrop hopped away.
As Snowdrop neared the spring, the sky darkened. A sudden snowstorm swept across the valley. The path disappeared, Snowdrop’s little heart thumped, the wind howled, icy flakes blinded her eyes.
She remembered her grandmother’s words: “When you are lost, stop and listen. The forest will guide you.” Snowdrop crouched under a fallen log and kept still. In the silence she heard a faint, familiar cry “Snowdrop! Snowdrop!” It was Pema and Chumo searching for her. Following their voices, Snowdrop hopped carefully toward the sound. Pema had brought a lantern made of pine resin, its warm glow cutting through the storm. Chumo circled overhead, his bright blue wings like guiding flags.
Together they found a hollow cave and waited until the storm passed. Pema shared dried berries, and Chumo sang a gentle song. Snowdrop snuggled close, feeling safe. When morning came, the sky was clear, and the mountains shone pink with sunrise. The three friends stepped out to see the secret spring nearby, steam curling like soft clouds.
Snowdrop sipped the warm water and smiled. “This spring is lovely,” she said, “but the real treasure is having friends who care.”
Moral
Bravery is not just about exploring alone; it is also about knowing when to listen and trusting those who love you.