Story: Treasure In The Woods

“It’s a beautiful snowy morning,” Pip whispers to herself. She looks out over the glistening Watercolor Woods from her cozy hollow in a cypress tree. “What an adventure we will have today!”

“Pip!” Mia, the blue jay, calls. She lands on a branch near Pip’s hollow. “Ready to go?”

“Yes. Let the treasure hunt begin!” Pip, the deer mouse, grins.

“Treasure hunt? What treasure?” Mia ruffles her feathers to stay warm.

“We look for something unexpected, something special,” Pip explains. “We will know when we see it.”

“We can start at the big oak tree,” Mia suggests.

“Look!” Pip points to the big oak as they make their way to it. “It’s Earl, the squirrel.”

“Earl!” Pip calls, waving. “Hello!”

“Hello, Pip! Hello, Mia!” Earl returns their greetings. “What are you two doing on this snowy day?”

“We are on a treasure hunt,” Mia answers.

“We are looking for something unexpected, something special,” Pip adds.

“Hmmm,” Earl thinks for a moment. “Try over in the oak grove. I noticed some interestingly shaped acorns there.”

“Thank you!” Pip dashes towards the grove as Mia flies after her.

Scouring the woodland floor beneath the oaks, Pip screeches, “Eek! Look at this acorn! It’s so shiny. I can see myself.”

Mia swoops down for a look, “Not bad, Pip. It is unexpected and special.”

Pip tucks the acorn in a pouch she crafted from a leaf.

Down by Stippling River, Pip searches beneath the tall, brown grass. “I’m not seeing anything, Mia.”

Mia lets out a soft squawk, “Pip! What about this?”

“What is it?” Pip squeaks and hurries over to Mia.

“Cattails. Look how they sparkle in the snow,” Mia points out.

“Wow! That’s a treasure!” Pip climbs up and breaks one off. “It is special, but is it unexpected?”

“Add it to your pouch,” Mia encourages Pip.

Wandering near the meadow, Mia asks, “What do you think about the pine grove over there?”

“It can’t hurt to look,” Pip smiles.

She stops for a moment and points, “Mia. I see Rosemary, the rabbit.”

“Morning, Rosemary!” They shout.

“Morning, Mia! Morning, Pip!” Rosemary hops closer. “What are you two up to today?”

“Looking for treasure,” Pip answers.

“Treasure?” Rosemary grins, “Over in the pine grove is a hollow log. It is known to hold treasures.”

“Thanks, Rosemary!” Pip squeaks and scurries to the grove.

“I don’t see a hollow log, Pip!” Mia remarks as she flies alongside Pip.

“There it is, Mia!” Pip bounds toward a mound of tangled roots.

“That’s it, Pip!” Mia lands at the opening and peers inside.

“Well? Do you see anything?” Pip pants.

“I’m not sure,” Mia answers.

Pip crawls into the log, “Ugh! It smells in here.”

“Do you see anything?” Mia hops closer.

“Not yet.” Pip brushes against something. “Wait… There’s something here!”

“What is it?” Mia strains her neck to see.

“It’s a long, perfectly patterned pinecone!” Pip shouts.

“Oh! Look at that! What a find!” Mia exclaims. “Tuck it in your pouch with the other treasures.”

Pip hesitates for a moment in thought. Mia, we should leave the treasures here.”

“Why?” Mia wonders.

“For others to find too,” Pip glances at Mia.

“You’re giving up your treasure, Pip?” Mia tilts her head.

“Yes,” Pip smiles. “Finding treasure is fun. Sharing it with others makes it even better.”

“Very thoughtful of you, Pip. I think it is a great idea.” Mia adds, “We can tell others about a treasure in the Watercolor Woods waiting for them to find.”

“The Woods has a secret treasure! Everyone will enjoy the game!” Pip’s eyes sparkle with excitement.

“A perfect end to a wonderful adventure,” Mia smiles at Pip.