Aarav and Maya walked along a gentle forest trail one sunny morning. The trees stood tall and green, and little patches of light danced on the soft path. “Look at that feather!” said Maya. “And look at those tiny flowers!” said Aarav. They were feeling curious about everything in the forest. Soon, they heard a small sniffle near a mossy log. Behind the log sat a tiny squirrel with a fluffy tail. He held one paw up and looked worried. “I was hurrying to find my family,” said the squirrel softly, “but I got mixed up on the trail.” Aarav smiled kindly. “We can help.” Maya knelt down. “What is your name?” “Nib,” said the squirrel. “I think I know a shortcut,” Aarav said, peeking down the trail. But then he stopped. He wasn’t sure at all. He took a small breath and said honestly, “Actually, I don’t know the way yet. But we can find it together.” Maya nodded. “We just need to be patient.” So the three friends walked slowly and carefully. They listened for birdsong. They looked for a path of little acorn shells. They waited beside a round stone while a beetle crawled past in its own tiny hurry. Nib watched them and smiled. “Thank you for not rushing me.” At last, they heard a happy chitter-chitter from a nearby tree. “Nib!” called a squirrel family from above. Nib’s eyes lit up. “I’m here!” He scampered up the trunk, then paused and looked back. “Can Aarav and Maya come too?” “Of course!” said Nib’s family. The little squirrel family welcomed them with cheerful waves. Nib stood between Aarav and Maya and said, “They helped me when I was lost.” His family smiled. “Then they are our forest friends.” Aarav and Maya waved goodbye, feeling warm and happy. They had not rushed. They had told the truth. And they had helped a new friend feel included. As they walked home, the forest seemed to sparkle a little brighter, as if it was pleased with their kind hearts.