In a peaceful forest where the sun shone through the leaves like gold, there lived a little dove. She had soft grey and white feathers and a kind heart. Her home was a cozy nest in an old oak tree, right beside a clear, bubbling stream. Every morning she would wake up, stretch her wings, and sing a gentle song to the forest.
The little dove had many friends in the forest. She would visit the rabbits under the ferns and chat with the other birds in the treetops. She loved to drink from the stream and bathe in the shallow water. "What a beautiful world," she would say. "I am so happy to share it with everyone."
One warm afternoon, the dove was resting on a branch when she heard a soft groan. She flew down and found a fox lying by the path. His leg was hurt and he could not stand. His tongue was dry and he was too weak to reach the stream. "Water," he whispered. "I need water."
The little dove felt sorry for the fox. She did not stop to think whether he was big or scary. She only knew that he was in need. "I will help you," she said. She flew to the stream, dipped her beak into the cool water, and filled it with drops. Then she flew back to the fox and let the water fall into his mouth.
Again and again the dove flew between the stream and the fox. Each time she brought a few precious drops. Her wings grew tired, but she did not give up. The fox drank a little more with every trip. At last he could lift his head and look at her with grateful eyes. "Thank you, little dove," he said. "I will never forget your kindness."
The fox rested until his leg felt stronger. Before he left, he said to the dove, "If you ever need help, call for me. I will come." The dove nodded and wished him well. She was glad she had helped. She did not expect anything in return; kindness was its own reward.
Summer turned to autumn. The leaves turned red and gold and fell to the ground. The little dove stayed in her nest, but food became harder to find. When winter came, the stream froze and the forest grew cold. The dove shivered and felt very hungry. She did not know how she would find enough to eat.
One snowy morning, the dove heard a familiar voice. "Little dove!" It was the fox. He had come through the snow to find her. In his mouth he carried dried berries and seeds he had saved. "You helped me when I was hurt," he said. "Now I am here to help you."
The fox left the food near her nest and promised to come back. Day after day he brought something to eat. He showed her a hollow in an old tree where she could shelter from the wind. The little dove was no longer cold or alone. She had a true friend.
When spring returned, the forest came alive again. The stream melted and the flowers bloomed. The dove and the fox sat together by the water. "You taught me something important," said the fox. "Even the smallest creature can show great love. I will always remember."
The other animals in the forest heard the story. The rabbits and the birds and the squirrels began to help each other more. If someone was hungry, another would share. If someone was lost, another would show the way. The little dove's kindness had spread through the whole forest.
The little dove still lives in the oak tree by the stream. She still sings her gentle song every morning. And whenever she sees another creature in need, she remembers: "I am small, but my heart is big. I can always choose to be kind." And that is how the little dove and the fox became friends forever.
