A Stormy Warning

One autumn afternoon, dark clouds rolled in and a storm poured over Maple Hollow. Rain drummed on the leaves, turning the road to slick black glass. Birds hid in trees. Foxes curled up in burrows. Even the squirrels stopped darting about.

Willow was heading to her favorite berry patch when she saw something strange near the road: a fallen branch had knocked loose some stones from the edge of the forest hill. A heavy rock now teetered above the sharp bend, ready to tumble onto the road below.

And just then, Willow heard it— The hum of a bus engine.

Through the rain, she spotted it: a yellow school bus, heading down the road full of children, unaware of what lay ahead. Willow's ears flicked. Her hooves trembled. She had no time to fetch help.
She had to act now.

The Town’s Quiet Guardian

By the time the road was cleared and the storm passed, Willow had already returned to the forest, quietly nibbling grass as if nothing had happened. The next morning, the townsfolk placed a small wooden sign at the curve. It read:

“Deer’s Bend — Slow Down and Stay Safe.”
In honor of the brave forest friend who stood in the rain and saved a bus full of children.

From that day on, drivers slowed down at the curve. Some even left apples by the trees. And every now and then, if the day was quiet and the wind was kind, people would spot Willow standing in the shadows, watching, listening, and always ready.

Because sometimes, the ones who protect us say nothing at all. They simply stand in the way… so we don’t get hurt.

The End !