The Missing Yearbook
Colin the rhino lived in a cozy home near the edge of a vast jungle. He enjoyed the peaceful mornings, sipping lemonade and watching the sunrise.
One day, Colin noticed something unusual. His beloved yearbook had disappeared from its usual spot on the shelf. "Where could it be?" Colin wondered aloud, a hint of worry in his voice.
He decided to search his entire home. Colin looked in every room, checking under pillows and behind doors. He even asked his roommate and friend, Jodi the owl, if she'd seen it.
Jodi, perched nearby, shook her head. "I am sorry, Colin. I have not seen your yearbook," Jodi said, her eyes wide with concern.
As the day grew warmer, Colin decided to take his search outside. He jogged along the lakeside path, hoping the fresh air might clear his mind. The nearby lakes shimmered under the sun, and Colin paused to enjoy the view.
Suddenly, Colin heard a noise. It was a soft swoosh, as if something was moving quickly through the bushes. Colin's heart raced.
"Could it be my yearbook?" he thought. With determination, he walked closer to the source of the sound. There, he found a bundle of leaves and twigs.
Colin gently pushed them aside and gasped. His yearbook lay there, slightly smeared with mud but still intact, covered with twigs and leaves. "Who could have moved it here?" Colin wondered, feeling both relieved and puzzled.
Just then, Jodi swooped down, landing gracefully beside Colin. "I think I know who took the yearbook," Jodi said, nodding towards the jungle.
From the shadows of the bushes, Benny the monkey appeared looking sad. "I am sorry, Colin," Benny admitted. "I borrowed your yearbook to show my friends, but I got scared and hid here when I heard you were looking for it."
Colin's initial fear and anger melted away. "It is okay, Benny," she said with a smile. "But next time, please ask before you borrow something that belongs to someone else." Benny nodded, grateful for Colin's understanding.
Together, they cleaned the yearbook, wiping away the mud and leaves. Colin was happy to have it back and even happier to have such caring friends. As the sun set, Colin returned to his home, his heart light with gratitude.
At home, Colin placed the yearbook back on the shelf, where it belonged, promising himself to always cherish his friends, adventures, and lessons learned.