On a bright, sunny afternoon, I, Zoe the Zebra, set off on an adventure that would take me deeper into the jungle than ever before. I tiptoed through the tall grass with excitement bubbling inside me. Soon, I discovered a mysterious path that twisted and turned, much like the winding pathways of my own mind. Can you imagine how the beating sun would feel as it danced above the leafy jungle trees and watched over tiny creatures below?
“Oh, where will this path lead me?” I pondered, letting my imagination soar.
With that, my little adventure began!
As I walked, I wondered if I might meet someone I knew along the way, perhaps a giraffe nibbling leaves or a deer stopping for a drink. I passed a squirrel that seemed to be searching for something special.
“Have you lost something, Mr. Squirrel?” I cheerfully inquired.
“Yes, indeed,” he replied, shaking his little head. “My acorn seems to have vanished.”
With a warm smile, I encouraged him, “Don’t worry; I’m sure it will turn up soon.” Then, off I went, wishing him the best.
Suddenly, I heard a delightful sound nearby — what could it be? I followed the melody until I reached a place where the very rocks in the ground formed a tiny waterfall, tumbling merrily. It seemed as though they were trying to amuse me.
“Oh, you funny little rocks,” I laughed. “Have you never seen water before? It’s been here long enough for you to grow used to it!”
Just then, to my amazement, they began to sing:
“Zoe, Zoe, through the Jungle do go,
Never can tell where you’ll find us below!
Hill or Hollow, always near,
Zoe, Zoe, wait for us here.”
I thanked the singing rocks and continued my journey, whispering, “You shall be called the Singing Rocks!”
Moments later, I found myself in a charming garden filled with the prettiest flowers swaying in the breeze.
“I wonder if they’re dancing in celebration of my arrival?” I thought, bursting into giggles.
“Sweet flowers,” I called, “thank you so much for this joyful performance. Surely you must know how happy you make us all. And remember, if you ever wish to see me again, ask the Singing Rocks for my address.”
Just then, I heard a gentle voice from above, “Wouldn’t it be far more pleasant for you both to go and see her yourself?”
I looked up to see an old friend soaring through the sky. It was a fine parrot I had often met when exploring the jungle’s edge. I felt right at home, and I waved my hoof in delight.
“Dear Parrot,” I exclaimed, “have you also come to wish me good fortune in my new adventure?”
“Indeed, I have,” he replied. “But I have discovered a wild baby elephant with a lively spirit nearby who very much wishes to become friends with you. When I tell him where you are, wouldn’t it please him if you came to visit?”
“Oh, yes!” I cried, hopping with joy. “How delightful an adventure that will be!”
With that, the wise Parrot flew intelligently ahead, while I dashed joyfully after him. Soon, our two hearts met in one swing, for there was the daintiest little elephant I had ever set my eyes on. Not truly believing I had arrived, he nearly danced with glee.
“Do come and see my mother,” he exclaimed, and I willingly agreed.
As we journeyed onward, I noticed many things I’d never seen before, such as the elephant’s extraordinary soft trunk, a grumpy tiger whose eyes nearly glowed in rage, and the strangest, fiercest birds that would tremble if you even came near them.
“Oh, my friend, how thankful I am to have you with me!” I smiled, drawing a little nearer to the elephant.
A short time later, we knocked politely at the door of Mrs. Jumbo, who was delighted to welcome us. I was invited for a pleasant little visit, which turned into a happy picnic. Even a walking that was supposed to be up one of the jungle’s steepest hills never once wearied me.
At last, like the old man in the story, when we were tired of our adventure, my little elephant and I turned our noses towards home, ready to share with our families all the fun we had hidden away in our hearts.
Oh, Adventures! How Old Dear Father was right when he said, “You bring wings to young feet and give young souls a chance to flap about.” Always willingly we will rock for you an empty chair, knowing truly you are never in the world without a friend!