In a quiet forest, many small animals lived. There were rabbits, mice, birds, squirrels, and more.
But they were scared.
The lion and other big animals were always looking for someone to eat. So the little animals hid every day.
One evening, the small animals met in a secret place. They wanted to talk about how to stay safe.
A little rabbit stood on a rock. His ears twitched, and his eyes were bright.
“We must be brave,” he said. “If we work together, we can stop the big animals from hurting us!”
The other animals cheered. They clapped their paws and tails. The forest felt full of hope.
Then came a loud sound.
ROAR!
The lion was near!
The animals ran. Birds flew. Mice squeaked. Even the rabbit turned and ran.
The lion chased the rabbit through the trees.
Thump-thump-thump went the rabbit’s feet. Closer and closer came the lion.
Just in time, the rabbit jumped into a small hole.
The lion could not fit. He growled, then walked away.
The rabbit peeked out. The other animals were watching.
He felt quiet inside.
“I told you to be brave,” he said softly, “but I ran too.”
No one said anything.
But the animals remembered his words. And maybe, next time, they would be brave together.
