One night, as the moon cast its silvery light through the old oak trees in a magical forest, Clara the mouse scurried through the woodland path. The stars twinkled above her, whispering secrets to the wind. Clara loved strolling at night when the world felt so alive yet so tranquil.
As she ventured deeper into the shimmering glade, something sparkled and caught her tiny eye. There, hidden beneath a bed of lush moss and daisies, lay a magnificent jewel. Clara’s heart raced as she uncovered an exquisite golden bracelet encrusted with brilliant stones, glowing as if holding a piece of the moon within its gems.
“Who could have left such treasure here?” Clara wondered aloud, her words floating gently in the night air.
She approached the bracelet cautiously, amazed by its beauty. As she dared to touch it, she felt warmth blossoming inside her tiny paw. Suddenly, a charming voice filled the air.
“Greetings, dear Clara! I am the spirit of the bracelet. Wear it, and your dearest wishes shall come true.”
Clara blinked her small eyes in disbelief. Here was a magic bracelet, right in front of her. What a wondrous adventure was ahead!
“I do wish to wear it,” she exclaimed, and just like that, the bracelet fastened itself around her wrist. Clara’s heart leaped in joy. Instead of running through the forest, she could fly like the butterflies that graced her dreams. And right at that moment, she wished she were soaring through the sky.
Just as she had imagined, Clara lifted off the ground, fluttering her arms like a bird. She skimmed over the moonlit treetops, feeling the cool night air brushing against her fur. How wonderful to see the world from up high! But soon she wondered if it was safe so far from her home.
“I should return to the earth,” Clara thought, and at once, her paws landed safely back on the soft moss.
Feeling a little giddy with joy, she pondered, “What else might I wish for?” Clara thought of all her neighbors—the old tortoise, Miss Polly Parrot, and the kind old hare.
“Ah! I will share these wishes with my dear friends.”
So she dashed toward the tortoise’s house.
“Wishing Turtle,” she called tenderly, “I have a beautiful present and a wish for you.”
Old Tortoise poked out his head, curious about the fuss.
“The soft moss grows all year around,” Clara said with a laugh, touching the old fellow with the bracelet.
No sooner had she touched him than a lovely mossy carpet laid itself all around the tortoise’s home, from the gate to his own door. Clara loved to see the smile of old Tortoise’s face, and she wished some freshly baked bread for Miss Polly Parrot’s supper.
“Good Polly,” she cried, knocking at the door with her little paw.
“That’s not yet old enough to come eat with us,” said Mrs. Parrot, shaking her head as she opened the door to Clara.
“I only brought my good wishes, dear feathery friend,” said Clara, and as she spoke, a soothing ray from the bracelet lit Miss Polly’s little room, filling it with warmth and sunshine in its sweet darkness.
The good parrot’s look of surprise soon gave way to joy as she saw the kindly mouse had brought a basket filled with dainty white rolls. Clara danced with delight, for her magic wanted no reward.
Then she darted away to wish well to other friends, and soon the whole forest knew or guessed who possessed the magic bracelet. But Clara was wise enough to grant no wish that could do hurt or bring distress.
In vain the troublesome little Humpback, the brawling Watercricket, and the quarrelsome Squirrel asked her for the clasp, declaring in proud tones that they did not really believe that the little mouse had any power.
But brave Clara answered kindly, yet resolutely, “You could not use it wisely as I do.”
And so good Clara, whom all loved, was known afterwards as the Wise Little One, for she soon found that with Great Power must come Great Responsibility.