Winter’s Berry Surprise

Pip, the deer mouse, peeks out of her hollow in the old cypress tree, “Look. Mia, the snow is falling over the watercolor woods.”

Mia, the blue jay, sniffs the crisp, cold air, “Ahhh… I smell the pine trees, Pip. And, I smell something else, something sweet? Berries!”

“Berries! Let’s follow the scent,” Pip shouts, and they both scurry down the trail. Their noses lead the way.

“Look Pip,” Mia points, “over by Canvas Creek.”

“It’s a little evergreen tree with bright red berries,” Pip exclaims.

Mia stares for a second, “That’s strange. Berries in late winter?”

Pip notices something in the snow, “There in the snow, Mia. Tracks! They’re too small for a rabbit, and too neat for a raccoon.

Pip follows the tracks around a bush, “They end here, at a small tunnel tucked in the snow.”

“Shhhh, Pip. Listen.” Mia whispers.

A rustling sound comes from within the tunnel, and out pops a small, brown shrew with wide eyes and twitching whiskers. “Oh, I didn’t mean to frighten you,” He squeaks. My name is Nettle.”

Pip’s surprised expression turns into a smile, “I’m Pip and this is Mia. Did you plant that little tree?”

Nettle’s eyes gleam, “Not exactly. It belongs to the woods. I take care of it.”

“Come in please,” Nettle invites Pip and Mia into her burrow.

“Mia! Look at how the tiny crystals of pine sap shimmer and light your cozy home,”. Pip notices.

“Beautiful.” Mia agrees.

Nettle continues to explain, “My grandmother taught me that the woods choose one tree to stay green and bright, so no creature goes hungry.”

Pip’s eyes sparkle, “How wonderful! We can help take care of it.”

For several days they journey to the little evergreen tree by Canvas Creek, brushing snow from its branches. They also bring extra berries to store beneath. But one morning, half the berries were gone.

“Someone’s stealing the berries!” Exclaims Mia.

“Tonight, we can come back to the tree and catch the thief,” Pip announces.

That night the three friends return. “Let’s watch from your burrow entrance Nettle?”. Mia suggests.

“This is fun!” Nettle whispers.

“Shhh…,” Pip whispers back, “I hear someone coming.”

“It’s Boone, the raccoon, plucking berries from the branches!” Mia shrieks.

“Boone!” Pip calls. “Those berries are for everyone.”

Boone’s face drops, “I was just hungry. I didn’t know.”

Nettle smiles, “It’s okay. Maybe you can help us take care of the tree, and protect it.”

Boone agrees, “I can tell the others. I’m sure they will help take care of the tree too!”

As the others hear about the secret of the little tree in the woods, they each share in its care.

“Look Pip and Mia,” Nettle gleams. “Rosemary the rabbit keeps the snow cleared from its roots and branches. Boone waters the tree with melted snow. Moonbeam the skunk makes sure all the night creatures share fairly, and Ember the owl keeps watch over the tree from above.”

Nettle adds, “The woods are thankful. See. Our little tree grows brighter.”

“Do you hear humming?” Whispers pip.

Mia listens for a moment, “The melody sounds like it's coming from the tree.”

Ember ruffles his feathers, “Perhaps the woods are singing thanks.”

“Look at a tiny nest hanging on the lower branch there,” Pip points.

Mia looks closer, “The nest is made of moss, pine needles, and a single blue feather—My feather!”

Nettle shrieks, “Inside the nest is a handful of berries arranged in a heart shape.”

It’s a gift,” Pip whispers.

Nettle nods, “From the woods, for all of us.”

Ember chuckles, “From whoever was singing in the tree.”

“Let’s have a feast to celebrate,” Mia suggests.

Rosemary claps her paws, “I have roots and greens.”

Boone says, “I have nuts to share.”

Moonbeam says, “I will be right back with mushrooms.”

As the friends share food and laughter, Pip looks up and asks, “Do you think the tree is pleased?”

“I think it is! It is very grateful,’ Mia says, “because we care for it, and each other.”

Pip hears the melody return from within the little tree.